🔗 Share this article France calls on nationals to depart the West African nation urgently amid Islamist fuel blockade Extended lines have been wrapping around fuel outlets France has delivered an urgent recommendation for its nationals in the landlocked nation to evacuate as rapidly as achievable, as militant groups persist their restriction of the state. The France's diplomatic corps advised nationals to leave using commercial flights while they are still accessible, and to steer clear of surface transportation. Fuel Crisis Escalates A recently imposed fuel blockade on the West African country, enforced by an al-Qaeda-affiliated faction has disrupted daily life in the capital, Bamako, and other regions of the surrounded Sahel region state - a former French colony. France's statement came as MSC - the largest global shipping company - stating it was suspending its activities in Mali, citing the embargo and declining stability. Jihadist Activities The jihadist group the Islamist alliance has produced the obstruction by targeting fuel trucks on primary roads. Mali has restricted maritime borders so each gasoline shipment are brought in by highway from adjacent countries such as Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. International Response Last month, the US embassy in Bamako stated that secondary embassy personnel and their relatives would evacuate the nation throughout the emergency. It said the petroleum interruptions had impacted the power availability and had the "potential to disrupt" the "overall security situation" in "uncertain fashions". Political Context The West African nation is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who originally assumed authority in a government overthrow in recent years. The armed leadership had public approval when it gained authority, promising to address the extended stability issues triggered by a independence uprising in the northern region by ethnic Tuaregs, which was subsequently taken over by radical groups. International Presence The United Nations stabilization force and France's military had been positioned in 2013 to address the escalating insurgency. Both have withdrawn since the armed leadership gained power, and the security leadership has contracted foreign security contractors to combat the safety concerns. Nonetheless, the jihadist insurgency has persisted and significant areas of the northern and eastern territories of the nation persist away from official jurisdiction.