Niger steps in to fuel Northern Mali as Algeria ties sour

Niger and Mali have signed a series of agreements aimed at stabilizing fuel supply to Mali’s restive north— a move that might mark a pivot away from Algerian dependence as relations between the two sour.

The memoranda of understanding was signed on May 16 following a visit to Niamey by Mali’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Moussa Alassane Diallo, according to Afrique-RFI.

Both countries agreed to address fuel shortages in Mali’s northern regions, which have been exacerbated by the closure of the Algerian border and the pause on fuel transport due to rising violence involving Tuareg separatist groups after they withdrew from the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord in 2024.

According to Niger’s Minister of Commerce, Abdoulaye Seydou, Mali is like Niger’s “ninth region,” and Niamey is dedicated to assisting it. He added that discussions are ongoing to strengthen the partnership and ensure a steady fuel supply, particularly regarding diesel.

Reportedly, solutions have already been found for gasoline.

Despite both Ministers’ apparent optimism, the cooperation might remain vulnerable, even as the Sahel states move to strengthen ties. According to some experts, the continued security crisis in border areas between Niger and Mali poses a real threat to the viability of these projects.

Although 40 tankers managers to reach the town of Gao in northern Mali this May, the convoys have been exposed to repeated threats and recurrent attacks, particularly in Niger’s Tillabéri region. This caused transporters in Gao on strike after a deadly attack in February.

The Niger deal follows a 2024 agreement, in which Niger committed to supplying Mali with 150 million liters of diesel annually, an increase from the last 22 million liters. The current agreement builds on this, aiming to meet the fuel needs of northern Mali for the next six months.

The fuel agreements come in light of strained relations between Mali and Algeria. Mali has accused Algeria of supporting Tuareg rebel groups after Algerian forces shot down a Malian drone engaged in counterterrorism operations. This led to the closure of borders and airspace between the two countries.

With these new agreements, Mali seeks to mitigate the impact of regional tensions on its energy security and strengthen ties with neighboring Niger.

Afrique-RFI/ Maghrebi