US and UK Withdraw Staff from Mali

The United States and the United Kingdom are withdrawing non-essential staff from their embassies in Mali due to heightened security risks stemming from a fuel blockade imposed by terrorist groups.

The militant group, JNIM (Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims), has been targeting fuel tankers since September, especially those transiting through Senegal and Ivory Coast, causing major economic disruption in the landlocked Sahel nation.

The US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency employees and their families on Thursday, two days after urging all American citizens to leave Mali immediately via commercial flights.

Mali (News Central TV) — The US and UK withdraw staff from Mali. Credit: France 24

The British Foreign Office issued a similar temporary withdrawal order for its non-essential staff in Bamako. Other nations, including Italy, Germany, and Canada, have also advised their nationals to depart swiftly.

The blockade, which involves setting fire to tankers and kidnapping drivers and soldiers in ambushes, appears to be an effort by JNIM to isolate the capital, Bamako.

Mali has been ruled by a military junta since 2021 and is struggling to contain the escalating operations of these armed groups.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.