BAMAKO, Mali (FN) — The U.S. Embassy in Mali has called on American citizens to leave the country immediately, citing escalating security threats and a fuel blockade imposed by jihadist militants that has crippled daily life in the capital.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the embassy warned of the “unpredictability of Bamako’s security situation,” urging Americans to depart using commercial aviation while the international airport remains operational. The advisory follows a separate directive from the U.S. State Department last Friday authorizing the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family members of government employees.
The crisis stems from a fuel blockade launched in September by fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group. The militants have targeted fuel tankers entering Mali from Senegal and Ivory Coast, torching vehicles and killing or abducting drivers and security escorts.
The blockade has severely disrupted gasoline and diesel supplies, forcing the closure of schools, universities, and other public institutions nationwide. Residents in Bamako face long queues at petrol stations and limited access to transportation, exacerbating tensions in a city already strained by years of conflict.
JNIM’s strategy appears aimed at isolating Bamako by intensifying attacks on surrounding roads. Despite military escorts, few tankers have successfully reached the capital, and overland routes to neighboring countries are now considered unsafe due to frequent ambushes.
Mali’s military-led government has not issued a formal response to the U.S. advisory, but officials have acknowledged the growing threat posed by jihadist groups. A spokesperson for the transitional administration said efforts were underway to secure fuel corridors and restore public services.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions, warning that the fuel crisis could hinder emergency aid delivery and deepen food insecurity. “The blockade is compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation,” said OCHA regional coordinator Jean-Luc Martin.
France, which withdrew its troops from Mali in 2022, has advised its remaining nationals to exercise extreme caution and monitor embassy updates. The European Union has called for renewed international engagement to stabilize the Sahel region and protect civilian populations.
International observers say the fuel blockade is a tactical shift by jihadist groups seeking to undermine the military regime and disrupt civilian life. The attacks have also raised fears of broader regional instability, as Mali’s neighbors brace for potential spillover.
The embassy’s warning underscores the urgency of the situation, as diplomatic missions and humanitarian agencies reassess their operations in the country. For now, the airport in Bamako remains open, offering a narrow window for safe departure.
