France has called on its citizens to leave Mali “as soon as possible” following a wave of coordinated attacks by separatist fighters and Islamist militants that have intensified security concerns across the country.
In an updated advisory issued বুধবার, the French government also warned against all travel to Mali, describing the situation as “extremely volatile.” The alert comes after a weekend of हिंসাত্মক হামলা marked by explosions and sustained gunfire in several مناطق, including the capital, Bamako.
Violence was reported in multiple locations, with a deadly incident in Kati where Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in an apparent suicide bombing. Meanwhile, separatist forces have taken control of the northern city of Kidal, further highlighting the deteriorating security landscape.
Despite the পরিস্থিতি, Mali’s military leader General Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. Speaking publicly for the first time since the attacks, he claimed that government forces had dealt a “significant blow” to the attackers and confirmed that military operations are ongoing.
France’s foreign ministry advised its nationals to arrange immediate departure using available commercial flights. Until then, citizens have been urged to stay indoors, restrict movement, and follow local authority instructions while keeping family members informed.
Similar warnings have been issued by the United Kingdom, which has advised against all travel to Mali and urged its citizens to leave if it is safe to do so. British authorities also cautioned against overland travel to neighbouring countries, citing the risk of terrorist attacks along major highways.
The United States embassy in Mali said it is closely monitoring developments and has instructed its citizens to shelter in place, remain vigilant, and avoid areas where security operations may be underway.
Although Bamako International Airport remains open, travellers have been advised to check for possible disruptions.
The recent violence appears to involve multiple armed groups. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a separatist movement seeking an independent Tuareg الدولة in northern Mali, is believed to have led attacks in the north. At the same time, the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) reportedly carried out coordinated assaults in various parts of the country.
Mali has been under military rule since General Goïta seized power in a 2020 coup, promising to restore stability amid a long-running insurgency. However, despite initial public support and the involvement of foreign forces in previous years, large parts of the country—particularly in the north and east—remain outside government control as militant activity persists.