The United States is urging all Americans in Mali to leave the country immediately as security conditions worsen under a fuel blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants.
- The U.S. has urged its citizens in Mali to leave immediately due to worsening security conditions resulting from a fuel blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants.
- The militant group JNIM has targeted fuel imports to Mali, causing economic strain and pressurising the military-led government.
- Malian authorities have suspended educational activities for two weeks due to the fuel shortage.
- The U.S. embassy highlighted the unpredictability of Bamako’s situation and advised against overland travel due to concerns about terrorism.
The United States is urging all Americans in Mali to leave the country immediately as security conditions worsen under a fuel blockade imposed by al Qaeda-linked militants.
The alert comes only days after Washington dropped Mali from its controversial $15,000 visa-bond program, a move interpreted as an effort to ease strained diplomatic ties with the West African country.
Militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) began restricting fuel imports into the landlocked West African nation in early September, according to Reuters.
Since then, they have attacked fuel convoys attempting to enter Mali or reach the capital, Bamako, a move analysts say is intended to choke the economy and pressure the military-led government.
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The crisis has already begun to take its toll. The Malian authorities on Sunday ordered a two-week suspension of school and university classes due to dwindling fuel supplies.
Unpredictable security environment
In a statement, the U.S. embassy warned that ongoing disruptions to gasoline and diesel distribution, the shutdown of major public institutions, and continuing clashes between government forces and extremist groups have made the situation in Bamako increasingly unpredictable.
While Bamako’s airport remains open, U.S. citizens are strongly advised to depart using commercial flights. The embassy cautioned against overland travel to neighbouring countries, citing a heightened risk of terrorist attacks on major highways.
Americans who remain in Mali should prepare contingency plans, including the possibility of having to shelter in place for an extended period, the advisory said. The embassy also noted that it cannot assist U.S. citizens outside the capital.
The warning follows a decision on Friday by the U.S. State Department to authorise the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families due to escalating risks.
