The French government advises residents to leave the West African nation immediately following militant gasoline embargo
The French Republic has delivered an immediate recommendation for its citizens in Mali to depart as soon as feasible, as jihadist fighters continue their blockade of the nation.
The France's diplomatic corps recommended citizens to exit using aviation transport while they continue operating, and to avoid surface transportation.
Fuel Crisis Intensifies
A two-month-old fuel blockade on Mali, implemented by an al-Qaeda-linked faction has disrupted everyday activities in the capital, Bamako, and additional areas of the surrounded West African country - a one-time French territory.
France's announcement came as the global shipping giant - the leading international transport corporation - announcing it was ceasing its activities in the country, citing the restriction and declining stability.
Jihadist Activities
The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has caused the obstruction by targeting fuel trucks on major highways.
Mali has restricted maritime borders so all fuel supplies are transported by surface transport from neighboring states such as the neighboring country and the coastal nation.
Global Reaction
Last month, the US embassy in the capital declared that support diplomatic workers and their households would evacuate the nation during the situation.
It stated the gasoline shortages had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "capacity to disturb" the "general safety conditions" in "unforeseen manners".
Leadership Background
Mali is now led by a armed forces council commanded by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a military takeover in recent years.
The armed leadership had public approval when it assumed control, vowing to deal with the protracted safety emergency triggered by a autonomy movement in the northern region by nomadic populations, which was then hijacked by Islamist militants.
International Presence
The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces had been stationed in the past decade to address the escalating insurgency.
The two have left since the junta took over, and the military government has contracted Russian mercenaries to combat the safety concerns.
However, the Islamist rebellion has endured and significant areas of the northern and eastern zones of the country continue outside government control.
