France advises nationals to leave Mali immediately during Islamist fuel blockade
The French Republic has issued an immediate advisory for its nationals in Mali to evacuate as soon as feasible, as militant groups continue their restriction of the country.
The France's diplomatic corps advised citizens to depart using commercial flights while they continue operating, and to avoid road journeys.
Energy Emergency Worsens
A two-month-old petroleum embargo on Mali, implemented by an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization has disrupted everyday activities in the capital, the capital city, and additional areas of the surrounded West African country - a former French colony.
France's statement coincided with the maritime company - the leading international maritime firm - announcing it was halting its services in Mali, citing the blockade and worsening safety.
Jihadist Activities
The militant faction the Islamist alliance has created the hindrance by attacking tankers on main routes.
Mali has no coast so all fuel supplies are delivered by road from bordering nations such as the neighboring country and Ivory Coast.
Global Reaction
Last month, the American diplomatic mission in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their families would evacuate the nation during the crisis.
It said the petroleum interruptions had impacted the energy distribution and had the "capacity to disturb" the "general safety conditions" in "uncertain fashions".
Political Context
The West African nation is currently ruled by a military junta led by General Goïta, who initially took control in a military takeover in recent years.
The junta had public approval when it assumed control, committing to address the long-running security crisis triggered by a independence uprising in the north by nomadic populations, which was subsequently taken over by Islamist militants.
Foreign Deployment
The international peace mission and French forces had been deployed in 2013 to address the growing rebellion.
Each have left since the junta took over, and the military government has contracted Moscow-aligned fighters to combat the safety concerns.
However, the jihadist insurgency has continued and significant areas of the northern and eastern territories of the state persist outside government control.
