🔗 Share this article The French government urges residents to leave the West African nation urgently amid militant fuel blockade Lengthy waits have been wrapping around gas stations France has delivered an pressing recommendation for its citizens in Mali to depart as quickly as possible, as jihadist fighters continue their embargo of the nation. The French foreign ministry recommended nationals to leave using aviation transport while they are still accessible, and to avoid road journeys. Petroleum Shortage Intensifies A two-month-old fuel blockade on Mali, enforced by an al-Qaeda-aligned faction has disrupted everyday activities in the capital, Bamako, and additional areas of the landlocked Sahel region state - a former French colony. France's declaration occurred alongside the maritime company - the world's biggest maritime firm - stating it was ceasing its operations in Mali, mentioning the embargo and declining stability. Militant Operations The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the blockage by assaulting tankers on major highways. The country has restricted maritime borders so each gasoline shipment are transported by road from neighboring states such as Senegal and the coastal nation. International Response In recent weeks, the US embassy in Bamako stated that support diplomatic workers and their households would depart Mali amid the situation. It mentioned the fuel disruptions had influenced the energy distribution and had the "potential to disrupt" the "comprehensive stability environment" in "uncertain fashions". Political Context Mali is currently ruled by a military leadership headed by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a military takeover in 2020. The military council had civilian backing when it gained authority, committing to address the extended stability issues triggered by a independence uprising in the northern region by Tuareg communities, which was subsequently taken over by jihadist fighters. Global Involvement The UN peacekeeping mission and France's military had been deployed in 2013 to deal with the increasing militant activity. The two have left since the junta took over, and the military government has employed Russian mercenaries to address the insecurity. Nevertheless, the jihadist insurgency has endured and significant areas of the northern and eastern zones of the country remain outside government control.