The French government advises citizens to leave Mali promptly following Islamist fuel blockade
France has issued an urgent recommendation for its people in the landlocked nation to depart as quickly as possible, as jihadist fighters persist their embargo of the country.
The France's diplomatic corps counseled individuals to exit using commercial flights while they are still accessible, and to refrain from surface transportation.
Petroleum Shortage Intensifies
A 60-day fuel blockade on the West African country, enforced by an al-Qaeda-affiliated group has overturned daily life in the main city, the capital city, and different parts of the enclosed African nation - a ex-colonial possession.
France's statement coincided with MSC - the leading international shipping company - announcing it was suspending its activities in the country, mentioning the restriction and worsening safety.
Jihadist Activities
The Islamist organization Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the blockage by attacking fuel trucks on major highways.
The country has restricted maritime borders so all fuel supplies are transported by highway from bordering nations such as Senegal and the coastal nation.
Global Reaction
In recent weeks, the US embassy in the capital stated that secondary embassy personnel and their households would leave the nation during the situation.
It said the fuel disruptions had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "capacity to disturb" the "overall security situation" in "unpredictable ways".
Political Context
Mali is presently governed by a military leadership headed by General Goïta, who initially took control in a coup in the past decade.
The junta had public approval when it took power, committing to address the extended stability issues caused by a separatist rebellion in the north by Tuareg communities, which was later co-opted by radical groups.
International Presence
The international peace mission and Paris's troops had been positioned in 2013 to address the growing rebellion.
Each have withdrawn since the military assumed control, and the military government has employed foreign security contractors to address the instability.
However, the jihadist insurgency has continued and significant areas of the north and east of the nation remain away from official jurisdiction.
