France has urged its citizens to leave Mali as soon as possible after coordinated attacks, with the UK issuing similar advice amid volatile security conditions.
France has urged its citizens to leave Mali “as soon as possible” after coordinated attacks by separatist fighters and Islamist militants, warning that the security situation in the West African country is “extremely volatile.”
The updated French travel advice, issued Wednesday, also warned against all travel to Mali. It came after explosions and sustained gunfire were reported Saturday in several parts of the country, including the capital, Bamako.
The warning underscores the speed of the latest security deterioration in Mali, where the military authorities have been battling armed groups across a wide area. Bamako International Airport remains open, but travelers have been advised to check for delays or cancellations.
France’s foreign ministry said French nationals should make arrangements to leave temporarily on commercial flights that are still available. Until then, it advised them to stay at home, limit movement, follow local authorities’ instructions and keep relatives informed.
The UK has issued similar guidance, advising against all travel to Mali and telling British citizens in the country to leave immediately by commercial flight if they judge it safe. British officials also warned against attempting to travel by land to neighboring countries, citing the danger of attacks along national highways.
“If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk,” the UK Foreign Office said, adding that citizens should have an emergency plan that does not rely on the British government.
Mali’s military leader, Gen. Assimi Goïta, said Tuesday evening that the security situation was under control. In his first public remarks since the attacks, he said the army had dealt a “violent blow” to the attackers and indicated that operations were continuing.
Fighting was reported over the weekend in Bamako; Kati, a major military base outside the capital; the northern cities of Gao and Kidal; and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti. Clashes reportedly continued Sunday in Kidal and Kati.
In Kati, defence leader Sadio Camara was killed in an apparent suicide bombing by militants, while separatist forces have taken control of Kidal in the north, according to the captured report. A spokesperson for the Tuareg separatist Azawad Liberation Front said Wednesday that the rebels aimed to take several other northern towns, including Gao, Timbuktu and Menaka.
The U.S. embassy in Mali said it was closely monitoring the situation and urged Americans to shelter in place, remain alert and avoid areas where security operations may be under way.
Mali has been ruled by a military junta led by Goïta since he first seized power in a 2020 coup, pledging to restore security. But armed groups continue to operate across the country, and large parts of northern and eastern Mali remain outside government control.
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