U.S. Orders Non-Essential Staff Out of Mali

The U.S. State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. employees and family members to leave Mali and the U.S. Embassy in Bamako urged American citizens to depart immediately, with Mali listed at Level 4 “do not travel.” Militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin have imposed a fuel blockade since early September and attacked tanker convoys, triggering severe nationwide shortages that have disrupted electricity, transport and prompted a two-week suspension of schools and universities. Italy, Germany and Australia have issued similar evacuation warnings, saying the worsening security situation could affect even the capital, Bamako. The embassy advised departing by commercial air because overland travel is unsafe due to attacks and kidnappings, and warned that consular assistance is limited outside Bamako. Analysts say the blockade appears intended to pressure Mali’s military-led government, and some reports say Mali has sought petroleum support from Russia, underscoring deepening instability and humanitarian impact.