Khaberni - Amid the deteriorating security situation in Mali, with al-Qaeda elements nearing the capital Bamako, France has taken an urgent step.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday the "modification of its diplomatic and consular structure in Mali" by reducing its staff numbers.
The French Ministry explained that this decision was made "in light of the current situation and following the lead of a number of its partners," referring to the United States and the United Kingdom, which have relocated their "non-essential" staff. The ministry did not specify the number of people concerned.
The instructions directed towards about four thousand French citizens in Mali have not changed since the call on November 7th to prepare for temporary departure as soon as possible via available commercial flights.
France strongly advises against traveling to Mali for any reason whatsoever.
Mali has been facing a severe security crisis since 2012, fueled by violence perpetrated by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims affiliated with al-Qaeda, ISIS elements, as well as local criminal groups.
Terrorists from the "Support Group for Islam" have imposed a blockade on fuel imports, crippling the economic activity.
In August 2022, Paris withdrew French forces, which had been leading the "Barkhane" counter-terrorism operation in Mali, in a historic move that reflects the escalating tension between Paris and the ruling military council in Bamako, after 9 years of joint operations.
