U.S. Orders Partial Evacuation of Embassy in Mali, Citing Security Crisis and Fuel Shortages
BAMAKO, Mali – The United States has authorized the departure of non-emergency government employees and family members from its embassy in Mali, pointing to a significant escalation of security risks in the West African nation.
The State Department announced the move, which allows voluntary departure for affected staff, as a direct response to deteriorating conditions. In a related security alert, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako also advised all remaining personnel to avoid travel outside the capital city due to pressing safety concerns.
A critical factor in the decision is a widespread fuel shortage that is crippling the country. The embassy’s alert highlighted that the lack of fuel is severely disrupting transportation, access to electricity, and the operation of essential services, creating a volatile and challenging environment.
This ordered departure reinforces the U.S. government’s long-standing and severe travel warning for the country. Mali remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, the State Department’s highest warning level, which urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Mali due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
The partial drawdown of staff underscores the deepening instability in Mali and the grave assessment of the security situation by American officials. U.S. citizens currently in Mali have been urged to exercise extreme caution and to review the travel advisory for guidance.
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