🔗 Share this article The French government advises citizens to evacuate Mali immediately during Islamist petroleum restrictions Extended lines have been wrapping around gas stations France has released an urgent warning for its citizens in Mali to evacuate as quickly as possible, as militant groups persist their embargo of the country. The Paris's external affairs department recommended individuals to exit using aviation transport while they continue operating, and to avoid surface transportation. Fuel Crisis Worsens A 60-day petroleum embargo on the West African country, implemented by an al-Qaeda-affiliated group has overturned routine existence in the main city, Bamako, and other regions of the landlocked West African country - a former French colony. France's announcement came as the maritime company - the largest global maritime firm - stating it was ceasing its services in the country, citing the restriction and declining stability. Jihadist Activities The Islamist organization the Islamist alliance has caused the blockage by attacking fuel trucks on primary roads. Mali has no coast so all fuel supplies are brought in by road from adjacent countries such as the neighboring country and Ivory Coast. Global Reaction Recently, the American diplomatic mission in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their relatives would leave the nation during the crisis. It stated the gasoline shortages had impacted the energy distribution and had the "capacity to disturb" the "overall security situation" in "unpredictable ways". Governance Situation The West African nation is presently governed by a military junta commanded by Gen Assimi Goïta, who originally assumed authority in a coup in the past decade. The junta had public approval when it took power, promising to deal with the extended stability issues triggered by a autonomy movement in the northern region by nomadic populations, which was then hijacked by radical groups. Foreign Deployment The United Nations stabilization force and Paris's troops had been deployed in recent years to deal with the growing rebellion. The two have withdrawn since the junta took over, and the armed forces administration has contracted Russian mercenaries to address the safety concerns. However, the Islamist rebellion has continued and large parts of the northern and eastern territories of the nation remain away from official jurisdiction.