France has called on its citizens in Mali to leave the country without delay, following a surge in violence and what officials describe as a rapidly deteriorating security environment.
The warning, issued on Wednesday by the French foreign ministry, comes in the wake of fresh attacks over the weekend involving jihadist fighters and Tuareg separatist groups.
The incidents have heightened fears of further instability in the West African nation, where security challenges have persisted for years.
In its updated travel advisory, the ministry stressed that the situation remains highly unpredictable and dangerous for foreign nationals.
“Travel to Mali is still strongly discouraged, regardless of the reason,” the foreign ministry said in its updated travel guidelines.
Authorities also urged those currently in the country to take immediate steps to ensure their safety by considering departure options.
“French nationals are advised to make arrangements to leave Mali temporarily as soon as possible on the commercial flights that are still available.”
Mali has been grappling with a complex security crisis driven by insurgent groups linked to extremist networks, as well as longstanding tensions involving separatist movements in the north.
Despite efforts by local and international actors to stabilise the country, violence has continued to flare in several regions.
France, which previously maintained a significant military presence in Mali as part of counterterrorism operations in the Sahel, has in recent years scaled back its involvement.
The latest advisory underscores growing concern in Paris over the safety of its nationals amid the worsening situation.
