Mali, one of the three Sahel countries under military rule, has come under economic siege. Al Qaeda linked jihadist militants imposed nearly two months long blockade on Bamako. This is now taking a serious toll on the economy and everyday life. Fuel and other essential supplies are not allowed into the country from neighbouring Senegal and Ivory Coast. It has triggered widespread desperate struggles. Schools were closed for two weeks and the U.S and France have issued travel warnings to their na