Ice trucks bring relief for northern Mali Ever since the take-over of northern Mali by armed Islamists last year, the city of Gao has suffered severe electricity shortages. Even after it was liberated by French and Malian forces in January of this year, blackouts remain common. In order to enjoy a cold drink, the city's people have to rely on trucks from the capital Bamako, more than a thousand kilometres away, which transport large blocks of ice to Gao. Images.