France has urged its citizens in Mali to depart “as soon as possible,” warning that the security environment has become “extremely volatile” following a wave of coordinated attacks across several cities, including Bamako.
In a revised travel advisory released on Wednesday, the French foreign ministry advised nationals to take available commercial flights to leave the country without delay.
Those still in Mali were told to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, comply with local authorities, and stay in regular contact with family members. Travel to Mali has now been strongly discouraged in its entirety.
Recent attacks intensify crisis
The warning comes after a series of coordinated strikes attributed to West Africa’s al-Qaeda-linked faction and a Tuareg separatist movement.
The armed groups targeted a major military base and areas close to Bamako’s airport, and also reportedly pushed Russian-supported government forces out of the strategic northern town of Kidal.
Mali’s military leadership has since pledged to “neutralise” those behind the assaults.
Rising concern for French nationals
Approximately 4,200 French citizens are officially registered with consular services in Mali, while around 3,000 more are believed to reside in the country without registration, many of them dual nationals based in the capital.
The updated guidance reflects increasing alarm in Paris over the rapid worsening of security conditions across Mali.