France has added its voice to the United States and United Kingdom, advising its citizens to leave Mali immediately. On Friday, November 7, the French foreign ministry issued an urgent travel advisory, warning against all trips to the West African country and urging nationals to depart “as soon as possible” due to the worsening security situation.
The warning comes amid a surge in jihadist attacks, with fourteen civilians reportedly killed recently in the town of Léré. The violence and economic strain are largely driven by the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which has blocked fuel imports, crippling Mali’s economy.
The intensifying conflict has forced authorities to shut down schools and universities nationwide, while electricity access has become highly restricted, compounding the humanitarian and security crisis facing the country.
