In Mali, the Synacor, the main union for truck drivers, has announced a work stoppage on February 9, 2026, following a deadly jihadist attack on January 29. The attack, attributed to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), occurred between the city of Kayes and the Senegalese border, leading to the execution of at least twelve drivers. In the wake of this incident, the union is demanding that the bodies of their colleagues be repatriated before any work resumption takes place.

During a general assembly held on Monday in Bamako, truck drivers expressed their dissatisfaction with the current security situation in the country. They communicated their grievances to the transitional authorities of Mali, highlighting that the remains of their colleagues had been “left on the asphalt” between Diboli, a border town with Senegal, and Kayes. The situation has escalated tensions among drivers, who are now feeling increasingly vulnerable due to the ongoing violence in the region.

The ongoing instability in Mali, fueled by frequent jihadist attacks, has significant implications for transportation and logistics in the country. The demand for the repatriation of the bodies not only underscores the drivers' plight but also calls attention to the broader security crisis that is affecting numerous communities in Mali. As transport disruptions loom with the planned strike, the union's actions may pressure authorities to address the urgent need for improved safety measures for those working in increasingly dangerous conditions.