U.S. Embassy Urges Americans to Leave Mali Amid Rising Insecurity and Fuel Crisis

Mali, 29 October 2025 - The U.S. Embassy in Bamako has issued an urgent advisory urging all American citizens to leave Mali “immediately,” citing growing insecurity, a worsening fuel shortage, and disruptions to essential services across the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the embassy warned that “persistent infrastructure challenges, including continued disruptions of gasoline and diesel supplies, the closure of public institutions such as schools and universities nationwide, and ongoing armed conflict between Malian government forces and terrorist elements,” have severely heightened the country’s volatility.

The advisory comes as Mali faces a crippling fuel blockade imposed by the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

The militant group announced in September that it had stopped fuel tankers from entering the country as part of its campaign against Mali’s ruling military junta. Reports indicate that JNIM fighters have torched more than 100 fuel trucks, effectively paralyzing transport and forcing schools and universities to close.

The U.S. Embassy noted that overland routes to neighboring countries have become increasingly dangerous due to frequent terrorist ambushes along national highways.

“Air travel is currently the only viable option for departure,” the statement said, urging citizens to make immediate travel arrangements while flights remain available.

The situation underscores the deepening crisis in Mali, where years of jihadist violence and political instability have eroded public confidence. The country’s junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, has struggled to contain insurgent groups despite breaking ties with Western partners and turning to Russia’s Wagner Group for support.

The fuel crisis is now worsening and violence spreads closer to the capital making life in Mali increasingly difficult. Long lines at gas stations, food shortages, and blackouts have become common, while the government has yet to offer a clear solution.

The embassy had already issued an advisory on travelling to Mali warning its citizens against travelling to Mali for any reason.