United States (US) Embassy in Bamako has urged American citizens to leave Mali “immediately” as security and humanitarian conditions worsen in the country’s capital. The advisory cites rising violence, fuel shortages, interruptions to essential services, and other escalating risks around Bamako.

The alert also advises those remaining in the city to prepare contingency plans for emergencies, including the possibility of sheltering in place for an extended period. Non-essential embassy staff and their families were ordered to depart last Friday due to growing security concerns and a severe fuel shortage.

The embassy stressed that it cannot provide routine or emergency consular services outside Bamako and reminded travellers to contact the embassy in case of emergencies. Americans were urged to avoid demonstrations and roadblocks, stay vigilant, keep a low profile, remain aware of their surroundings, and maintain accessible travel documents.

Mali has been grappling with a fuel crisis for weeks after armed groups blocked tanker routes, particularly affecting Bamako. The shortage has led to long queues at petrol stations, disrupted public transport and motorcycle taxis, and left the city’s usually busy streets unusually quiet.

Education has also been affected, with the government suspending schools nationwide for two weeks. Universities and higher education institutions in the capital cited the inability of students and staff to reach campuses due to fuel shortages.

–ChannelAfrica–