France tells citizens to leave Mali urgently as security worsens

France has urged its nationals in Mali to leave “as soon as possible” following coordinated attacks over the weekend, including incidents in the capital, Bamako, according to an updated travel advisory.

The French foreign ministry said the security situation in Mali remains volatile and advised citizens who are still in the country to stay indoors, limit movement, and follow instructions from local authorities while maintaining contact with family members. It also reiterated that all travel to Mali is strongly discouraged.

“French nationals are advised to make arrangements to leave Mali temporarily as soon as possible on the commercial flights that are still available,” the ministry said.

“Travel to Mali is still strongly discouraged, regardless of the reason,” it added.

The warning comes after West Africa’s al-Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-led separatist group carried out coordinated attacks targeting a major army base and areas near Bamako’s airport, Reuters reported.

The assaults also saw Africa Corps, a paramilitary force controlled by Russia’s Defence Ministry, say it had withdrawn its troops from the northern Malian town of Kidal following intense fighting.

Mali’s military leader, Assimi Goïta, said the security situation in the country was under control. Speaking publicly, he said the army had dealt a “violent blow” to the attackers. The government also vowed to “neutralise” those responsible for the attacks, as security tensions continue to escalate across the country.

The United Kingdom has also advised against travel to Mali, urging its citizens to leave the country. The UK Foreign Office said it advises “against all travel to Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions.”