Following a series of coordinated assaults by separatist groups and Islamist militants over the weekend, France has called on its citizens in Mali to depart “as soon as possible.”
The updated advisory issued on Wednesday also strongly discourages any travel to the West African country, describing the security environment as “extremely volatile.”
Widespread explosions and continuous gunfire were reported on Saturday across several parts of Mali, including the capital Bamako. In Kati, defence official Sadio Camara was killed in what authorities described as a suicide bombing, while separatist forces seized control of Kidal in the north.
Despite the unrest, Mali’s military ruler Assimi Goïta stated that the security situation remained under control.
In his first public remarks on Tuesday evening, he claimed the armed forces had delivered a “violent blow” to the attackers and indicated that military operations were still ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Tuareg separatist group Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) warned on Wednesday that “the regime will fall, sooner or later.”
While speaking to AFP during a trip to Paris, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane said the group planned further advances into northern towns including Gao, Timbuktu, and Ménaka after taking Kidal.
He also demanded the withdrawal of Russian personnel supporting the Malian authorities, following an agreement to pull forces out of Kidal on April 27, 2026.
Ramadane denied claims that he was holding talks with French security officials, stating his visit to Paris was for private reasons.
France’s foreign ministry, which previously governed Mali as a colonial territory, advised nationals to leave the country on available commercial flights “as soon as possible.”
Officials added that those still in Mali should remain indoors where possible, avoid unnecessary movement, stay updated with local guidance, and maintain contact with family members.
Authorities reiterated that travel to Mali remains strongly discouraged “regardless of the reason.”
The United Kingdom issued a similar warning, advising against all travel due to unpredictable security conditions and urging its citizens to leave without delay.
British nationals were instructed to depart via commercial flights if it was safe, while avoiding overland routes to neighbouring countries, which were described as highly dangerous due to reported militant activity along highways.
The Foreign Office further cautioned that those who remain do so at their own risk and should prepare independent emergency plans without relying on government assistance.
Bamako International Airport remains operational, though travellers have been warned to confirm flight schedules due to possible disruptions.
The United States embassy said it was closely tracking developments, advising citizens to shelter in place, stay alert, and avoid areas affected by ongoing security operations.
On Saturday, clashes were reported across multiple locations including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti, with fighting reportedly continuing into Sunday in some areas.
Security analysts say the offensive by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) focused mainly on northern territories they claim as part of a Tuareg homeland, while the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) carried out simultaneous attacks in multiple regions.
Mali has been under military rule since Assimi Goïta seized power in a 2020 coup, pledging to restore stability and defeat armed groups.
The junta initially gained public support for its promise to address long-running insecurity linked to a Tuareg rebellion later overtaken by Islamist insurgents.
Following the takeover, UN peacekeepers and French troops withdrew from counterinsurgency operations, while the government turned to Russian-linked forces for security support.
Despite these changes, militant activity has persisted, with large parts of northern and eastern Mali still outside government control.