France Urges Citizens To Leave Mali Amid Escalating Violence/Image @ BBC
The French government has advised its citizens to exit Mali “as soon as possible” following a weekend marked by coordinated assaults from separatist groups and Islamist militants.
In a statement released today, the French Foreign Ministry warned against travel to the West African nation, labeling the current situation as “extremely volatile.”
Reports of explosions and ongoing gunfire emerged from various locations across Mali, including the capital, Bamako. Notably, the Defense Leader, Sadio Camara, was killed in an apparent suicide bombing in Kati, while separatist forces have seized control of the northern city of Kidal.
Mali’s military ruler, General Assimi Goïta, asserted that the security situation is manageable.
Speaking publicly for the first time yesterday evening, he claimed that the military had dealt a “violent blow” to the attackers and indicated that operations were still in progress.
The French Foreign Ministry urged nationals to make arrangements for temporary departure on available commercial flights. It advised those remaining in Mali to stay indoors, limit their movements, and adhere to local authorities’ instructions while keeping family members informed.
”Travel to Mali is still strongly discouraged, regardless of the reason,” the statement emphasized.
Similarly, the UK government has recommended “against all travel to Mali due to unpredictable security conditions” and urged its citizens to leave. The travel advisory, effective since the weekend, instructed British nationals in Mali to “depart immediately via commercial flight if deemed safe.”
It cautioned against overland travel to neighboring countries, labeling it “too perilous” due to ongoing terrorist threats along national highways.
The Foreign Office added that those choosing to stay do so at their own risk and should have a personal emergency plan independent of UK government assistance.
Bamako International Airport remains operational, however, travelers are advised to verify the latest updates regarding potential delays or cancellations.
The US embassy in Mali reported that it is closely monitoring developments and advised citizens to “shelter in place, remain vigilant, and avoid areas where security operations may be occurring.”
Fighting erupted on Saturday in Bamako, Kati, home to a significant military base, and extended to Gao and Kidal in the north, as well as central cities like Sevare and Mopti. Clashes reportedly persisted into Sunday in Kidal and Kati.
Reports indicate that the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), advocating for an independent Tuareg state, primarily targeted northern cities. Meanwhile, the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) executed simultaneous attacks across multiple locations nationwide.
Mali is currently governed by a military junta led by Goïta, who initially took power in a coup in 2020 with promises to restore security and counter armed groups. The junta enjoyed popular support upon seizing control, pledging to address the long-standing security crisis stemming from the Tuareg rebellion in the north, which was subsequently co-opted by Islamist militants.
Following the junta’s takeover, UN peacekeepers and French forces withdrew from the country. The military government subsequently enlisted Russian mercenaries to assist in combating insecurity.
Despite these efforts, the jihadist insurgency persists, with vast areas in the north and east remaining beyond government control.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong