🔗 Share this article The French government urges residents to leave Mali immediately amid militant gasoline embargo Long queues have been snaking around fuel outlets The French Republic has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens in Mali to depart as quickly as possible, as Islamist insurgents persist their restriction of the country. The France's diplomatic corps advised individuals to exit using commercial flights while they continue operating, and to avoid road journeys. Petroleum Shortage Escalates A 60-day petroleum embargo on the West African country, enforced by an al-Qaeda-linked organization has upended daily life in the capital, the capital city, and other regions of the enclosed Sahel region state - a former French colony. France's declaration came as the global shipping giant - the largest global transport corporation - revealing it was ceasing its activities in Mali, mentioning the blockade and declining stability. Militant Operations The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the blockage by targeting tankers on major highways. The country has no coast so every petroleum delivery are transported by surface transport from adjacent countries such as Senegal and the coastal nation. International Response In recent weeks, the United States representation in the capital stated that non-essential diplomatic staff and their relatives would depart the nation throughout the situation. It mentioned the gasoline shortages had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "capacity to disturb" the "comprehensive stability environment" in "uncertain fashions". Leadership Background Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a military takeover in 2020. The junta had popular support when it gained authority, committing to handle the long-running security crisis triggered by a separatist rebellion in the northern region by ethnic Tuaregs, which was subsequently taken over by jihadist fighters. Foreign Deployment The United Nations stabilization force and French forces had been stationed in 2013 to deal with the growing rebellion. The two have departed since the military assumed control, and the security leadership has contracted foreign security contractors to tackle the insecurity. Nonetheless, the Islamist rebellion has endured and large parts of the northern and eastern zones of the country remain away from official jurisdiction.