In Mali, Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maïga has met with the Malian Association of Oil Professionals to discuss ways of easing tensions in the wake of growing security concerns.

The talks come days after al-Qaeda–linked militants attacked an army-escorted convoy on the Kayes-Bamako route, setting several fuel tankers ablaze and causing heavy losses.

The Kayes corridor remains a lifeline for Mali’s energy supplies, making it a recurring target for armed groups.

Authorities say they are committed to strengthening security operations to protect vital routes and reassure key economic sectors.