US Warns Citizens in Mali To Leave Country Immediately
Bamako – October 29, 2025
The United States Government has urged all its citizens currently in the Republic of Mali to leave the country immediately, citing a rapid deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation caused by a militant-imposed fuel blockade and ongoing armed conflict.
In an urgent security alert issued on Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako advised Americans to depart “using commercial options while they remain available,” warning that it may not be able to provide emergency services outside the capital.
The advisory follows a severe fuel crisis that has crippled transportation and public services across Mali. The shortage is reportedly linked to a blockade by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group that has attacked or seized several fuel convoys entering the country.
According to reports, the blockade has triggered long fuel queues, paralyzed public transport, and forced schools and universities in some regions to shut down. Hospitals and local businesses have also reported difficulty in obtaining diesel for generators.
Authorities in Bamako have described the situation as a “national emergency,” with the cost of essential goods soaring amid fears of further attacks by militant groups operating in central and northern Mali.
The U.S. government has maintained a Level 4 travel advisory for Mali its highest warning, meaning “Do Not Travel.” The embassy emphasized that overland routes to neighboring countries remain extremely dangerous, with multiple reports of banditry, kidnappings, and extremist activity along major highways.
The warning also noted that due to widespread fuel shortages and communication breakdowns, the embassy’s ability to assist citizens in distress is “extremely limited.”
Mali, a landlocked West African nation, has faced years of instability following multiple coups and a surge in jihadist insurgency since 2012. Despite regional and international interventions, militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS continue to control vast areas of the country’s north and centre.
The junta-led government in Bamako severed ties with France and turned toward Russia’s Wagner Group for security assistance, a move that has further strained relations with Western nations.
The current crisis highlights the growing volatility in the Sahel region, where escalating militant activity has displaced millions and destabilized several neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso and Niger.
Analysts warn that the situation could disrupt regional trade and humanitarian operations, as Mali plays a central role in the trans-Sahelian corridor linking West and North Africa. Neighboring countries have begun heightening border security, while international organizations are monitoring the situation closely.
For now, the U.S. government is urging its nationals to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and assistance during the evacuation process.
