France has advised its nationals in Mali to leave the country “as soon as possible” following a wave of coordinated attacks by separatist fighters and Islamist militants that have further destabilised the West African nation.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the French foreign ministry warned that the security situation in Mali remains “extremely volatile” and strongly discouraged all travel to the country.
Citizens still in Mali were urged to depart on available commercial flights and, if unable to leave immediately, to stay indoors, limit movement, and closely follow local security instructions.
The advisory comes after widespread violence over the weekend, with reports of explosions and gunfire in multiple cities including the capital, Bamako, as well as Kati, Gao, Kidal, Mopti, and Sevare.
The unrest included coordinated assaults attributed to separatist groups seeking control of northern territories, alongside attacks by Islamist militants operating across the region.
Mali’s military leadership, headed by Gen Assimi Goïta, said government forces had responded to the attacks and claimed the security situation was being brought under control, though operations are ongoing.
One separatist group, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), has vowed to continue its offensive, claiming it aims to take additional northern towns.
Meanwhile, jihadist groups have intensified pressure across central and northern Mali, areas that remain largely outside state control.
The United Kingdom and United States have also issued travel warnings, with the UK advising its citizens to leave immediately if safe to do so, citing the risk of terrorist activity and unsafe land routes to neighbouring countries.
Mali has faced prolonged instability since a series of coups beginning in 2020.
Despite earlier promises by the military government to restore order, insurgent activity has persisted, and international peacekeeping and foreign military missions previously deployed to the country have since withdrawn.
