France has called on its nationals still in Mali to leave the country “as soon as possible,” citing an extremely volatile security situation amid jihadist attacks, separatist violence and a deepening blockade that is crippling daily life.
France has issued an urgent advisory to its citizens in Mali, urging them to arrange their departure from the country “as soon as possible” using available commercial flights. The French foreign ministry updated its travel guidance to strongly discourage all travel to Mali and to recommend that those already there leave temporarily in light of the current threat environment.
Officials in Paris say the security situation in Mali has deteriorated sharply, with recent attacks by jihadist groups and Tuareg separatist fighters, as well as an armed blockade that has disrupted fuel supplies and movement on key roads. The blockade, enforced by an al-Qaeda-linked group, has severely affected Bamako and other regions, leading to fuel shortages, power cuts and broader disruption of economic and social activities.
The ministry warned that overland travel is particularly dangerous, as highways and major routes have come under repeated attack from armed groups. French nationals were advised to avoid road journeys and instead leave via commercial flights while they remain available, amid fears the situation could worsen further or flight options could narrow.
France’s latest warning follows similar calls from other Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, reflecting growing international concern over Mali’s instability. Mali’s military rulers, who took power in a series of coups and have struggled to contain spreading insurgencies, face mounting pressure as insecurity rises and humanitarian needs grow within the landlocked Sahel state.
