France calls on citizens to leave Mali promptly following militant gasoline embargo
The French Republic has delivered an urgent advisory for its nationals in Mali to leave as quickly as possible, as jihadist fighters persist their blockade of the nation.
The Paris's external affairs department recommended nationals to leave using commercial flights while they remain available, and to steer clear of road journeys.
Petroleum Shortage Worsens
A two-month-old gasoline restriction on the West African country, implemented by an al-Qaeda-aligned faction has disrupted daily life in the main city, the capital city, and other regions of the landlocked West African country - a ex-colonial possession.
France's declaration coincided with the maritime company - the leading international maritime firm - announcing it was halting its activities in Mali, mentioning the restriction and declining stability.
Militant Operations
The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the hindrance by targeting petroleum vehicles on main routes.
The country has restricted maritime borders so all fuel supplies are brought in by road from adjacent countries such as the neighboring country and Côte d'Ivoire.
Global Reaction
Last month, the United States representation in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their households would evacuate Mali throughout the situation.
It said the petroleum interruptions had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "possibility of affecting" the "general safety conditions" in "unforeseen manners".
Political Context
Mali is presently governed by a military leadership commanded by the military leader, who first seized power in a military takeover in the past decade.
The junta had popular support when it took power, committing to deal with the long-running security crisis caused by a separatist rebellion in the north by nomadic populations, which was then hijacked by radical groups.
Global Involvement
The international peace mission and France's military had been deployed in recent years to handle the increasing militant activity.
Both have withdrawn since the junta took over, and the military government has hired Moscow-aligned fighters to address the instability.
Nonetheless, the militant uprising has persisted and significant areas of the north and east of the state continue outside government control.
