The French government has urged its citizens to leave Mali immediately as the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate.
The warning comes amid an escalating blockade imposed by the armed group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), which has disrupted fuel supplies and essential goods entering the capital, Bamako. The blockade has led to widespread shortages, long queues at fuel stations, power cuts, and school closures.
France’s alert follows similar warnings issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy, all citing growing insecurity and the risk of further instability.
Residents in Bamako say daily life has become increasingly difficult, with transport services disrupted and markets running low on basic goods. Analysts warn that the crisis underscores both the expanding reach of militant groups in the region and the weakening control of Mali’s military government.
Humanitarian agencies have also raised concerns that the situation could worsen if the blockade continues, potentially deepening the hardship faced by civilians.