• Mali army denies releasing militants for fuel convoy passage

• Military calls reports “fabricated” and aimed at discrediting forces

• Claims follow reports of detainee releases to secure fuel supplies

Mali’s army on Monday strongly denied reports that it had freed more than 100 suspected militants in exchange for safe passage for fuel convoys.

Speaking to journalists, Colonel-Major Souleymane Dembélé, head of the armed forces’ information and public relations directorate (DIRPA), dismissed the claims as “fabricated.”

He said the reports were part of what he described as “media terrorism” aimed at discrediting the military and undermining public confidence.

“Let me be clear: Mali is facing a carefully orchestrated and organized media terrorism,” Dembélé said. “Some outlets are trying to suggest that the army has agreements with terrorists. These are attempts to discredit our forces and undermine public confidence.”

Several media outlets, citing security and political sources, reported on Sunday, March 22, that more than 100 detainees suspected of links to the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) had been released in mid-March.

According to those reports, the move was intended to ensure fuel convoys could reach the country ahead of the Tabaski holiday in late May.

The claims come amid heightened security and logistical tensions. Mali has for years faced repeated attacks by armed groups, including JNIM, which regularly target infrastructure, industrial and mining sites, and logistics convoys.

Supplies to the capital, Bamako, have been disrupted in recent months, particularly fuel deliveries, due to such attacks.

Authorities have reiterated their refusal to negotiate with groups designated as terrorist organisations, while continuing efforts to secure transport corridors and maintain fuel supplies across the country.

Charlène N’dimon