The French government advises residents to depart the West African nation urgently following jihadist fuel blockade
The French Republic has delivered an urgent warning for its citizens in the landlocked nation to leave as soon as feasible, as jihadist fighters maintain their blockade of the state.
The Paris's external affairs department counseled individuals to leave using aviation transport while they continue operating, and to steer clear of surface transportation.
Fuel Crisis Escalates
A recently imposed gasoline restriction on Mali, implemented by an al-Qaeda-aligned organization has upended routine existence in the main city, Bamako, and other regions of the enclosed West African country - a one-time French territory.
France's declaration came as the maritime company - the largest global transport corporation - announcing it was halting its operations in the country, mentioning the blockade and deteriorating security.
Jihadist Activities
The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has caused the blockage by attacking petroleum vehicles on primary roads.
The country has no coast so each gasoline shipment are delivered by road from neighboring states such as Senegal and the coastal nation.
International Response
Last month, the US embassy in the capital stated that support diplomatic workers and their relatives would evacuate the nation amid the crisis.
It said the fuel disruptions had impacted the power availability and had the "possibility of affecting" the "comprehensive stability environment" in "unpredictable ways".
Political Context
Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who initially took control in a government overthrow in the past decade.
The armed leadership had popular support when it assumed control, promising to handle the long-running security crisis caused by a autonomy movement in the north by Tuareg communities, which was subsequently taken over by radical groups.
Foreign Deployment
The UN peacekeeping mission and Paris's troops had been stationed in the past decade to address the increasing militant activity.
Each have left since the junta took over, and the military government has employed foreign security contractors to tackle the insecurity.
However, the militant uprising has persisted and significant areas of the northern and eastern zones of the country continue beyond state authority.
