By Baudelaire Mieu and Katarina Höije

Nov 7, 2025 (Bloomberg) – CMA CGM SA, a leading global shipping company, announced that it will keep its operations running in Mali, despite challenges posed by militant activity.

This announcement came late Friday after a meeting with Malian officials, as the situation in the country continues to worsen with rising security threats and fuel shortages.

Previously, CMA CGM and its competitor MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA had hinted at possibly halting their services due to the increasing difficulties.

Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, relies on ports in nearby nations, with the final leg of deliveries made by truck. Despite the challenges, the shipping companies take responsibility for the entire route until goods arrive in Mali.

In recent weeks, jihadists connected to al-Qaeda have been targeting truck drivers, especially those transporting fuel into Mali. This has resulted in a fuel crisis and led shipping companies to stop road transport, as stated in their separate announcements this week.

Mali is a significant exporter of gold and cotton in Africa and depends heavily on imports for essential goods like grain and equipment.