US tells Americans to leave Mali ‘immediately’ as militant blockade sparks fuel crisis

Earlier this week, Mali announced the closure of all schools and universities nationwide starting Sunday due to a severe fuel shortage. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane told state television that classes would be suspended for two weeks

The US Embassy in Mali has instructed Americans residing in the country to “leave immediately” after the country witnessed a severe fuel scarcity caused by a blockade on fuel imports imposed by Islamist insurgents.

“US citizens currently present in Mali should depart immediately using commercial aviation. The international airport in Bamako remains open and flights are available. US citizens should depart using commercial aviation, as overland routes to neighbouring countries may not be safe for travel due to terrorist attacks along national highways,” the embassy said in a statement.

It also advised US citizens against travelling to Mali and urged people to practice caution in case they decide to fly down to the country.

Earlier this week, Mali announced the
closure of all schools and universities nationwide starting Sunday due to a severe fuel shortage. Education Minister Amadou Sy Savane told state television that classes would be suspended for two weeks, citing disruptions in fuel supplies that are affecting the movement of school staff.

The shortage follows a blockade imposed in early September by militants from the al-Qaida-backed group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, preventing fuel imports from neighbouring countries. The blockade has left hundreds of fuel trucks stranded at the border and worsened the landlocked country’s fragile economy.

Mali, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, has been grappling with armed insurgencies, including groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State, as well as local rebels. Following military coups in these countries, French forces have been expelled, and Russia’s mercenary units have been called in for security assistance, though analysts say their presence has had limited effect.

In Bamako, the capital, long queues have formed at gas stations, while transportation and commodity prices have been affected. The Malian military has attempted to escort some fuel trucks from border areas to the capital, with mixed results, as some convoys were attacked by militants.

The fuel blockade is regarded as a major challenge for Mali’s