Khaberni - The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a travel ban for its citizens to the Republic of Mali, against the backdrop of current events happening in the country, urging those present there to return as soon as possible.
The ministry stated in a statement: "Due to the current events in the Republic of Mali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bans travel of UAE nationals to the Republic of Mali, and calls on citizens there to leave and return to the country as soon as possible."
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the "importance of adhering to the instructions and alerts issued by it, and taking the highest levels of caution and care."
The ministry urged citizens present in Mali "to contact it via the number designated for nationals abroad in emergencies and crises, available around the clock."
Mali, which is ruled by military officers, has been waging a war for over a decade against insurgent groups linked to the "ISIS" and Al-Qaeda organizations.
While the military leadership commits to improving security conditions, journalism reports indicate a sharp increase in kidnapping operations focusing on foreign workers and civilians in Mali during the year 2025. Between May and October, more than 22 foreigners were kidnapped, doubling the number recorded in 2022, according to security analysts.
The group "Group to Support Islam and Muslims," linked to Al-Qaeda, carries out these operations as part of a "economic jihad" strategy aimed at financing its activities through obtaining huge ransoms, in addition to imposing an economic blockade and starving the capital Bamako by disrupting fuel and essential goods supplies. Security sources confirmed that the organization controls about 80% of gold production in the Kayes region, enhancing its financial and logistical capabilities.
These developments have led to international warnings and tightening of security measures in Mali, with calls for the evacuation of foreign nationals due to escalating violence and deteriorating security conditions, while regional and international attempts continue to contain the worsening security crisis in Mali and the surrounding area.
