BAMAKO, Aug 28 (Reuters) - A two-week blockade by Islamist militants has created food and aid shortages in the ancient city of Timbuktu, the mayor and residents said, as security deteriorates across much of northern and eastern Mali. "We are witnessing a shortage of foodstuffs, with a general rise in prices," said Timbuktu mayor Aboubacrine Cisse. Timbuktu resident Imam Alphadi Wagaran said that fuel, gasoline, flour, couscous, milk and other food products were blocked. MINUSMA closed two bases in the Timbuktu region on Aug. 17, it said. Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Additional reporting and writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Edward McAllisterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 28, 2023 18:16 UTC