đź”— Share this article The French government urges citizens to leave the West African nation immediately amid jihadist gasoline embargo Lengthy waits have been snaking around petrol stations The French Republic has delivered an immediate warning for its citizens in Mali to depart as rapidly as achievable, as militant groups maintain their restriction of the country. The Paris's external affairs department recommended individuals to exit using aviation transport while they are still accessible, and to refrain from road journeys. Energy Emergency Intensifies A 60-day fuel blockade on Mali, implemented by an al-Qaeda-aligned organization has overturned everyday activities in the main city, Bamako, and additional areas of the landlocked African nation - a ex-colonial possession. France's announcement occurred alongside the global shipping giant - the world's biggest shipping company - announcing it was ceasing its operations in the country, referencing the embargo and deteriorating security. Insurgent Actions The militant faction Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the blockage by targeting petroleum vehicles on primary roads. The country has limited sea access so all fuel supplies are brought in by road from adjacent countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast. Diplomatic Actions Recently, the US embassy in the capital declared that support diplomatic workers and their families would leave Mali throughout the crisis. It said the petroleum interruptions had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "potential to disrupt" the "general safety conditions" in "uncertain fashions". Governance Situation Mali is currently ruled by a armed forces council headed by the military leader, who initially took control in a military takeover in recent years. The military council had public approval when it took power, committing to address the long-running security crisis caused by a separatist rebellion in the north by nomadic populations, which was subsequently taken over by Islamist militants. International Presence The UN peacekeeping mission and France's military had been positioned in 2013 to deal with the increasing militant activity. Both have departed since the junta took over, and the armed forces administration has hired Russian mercenaries to combat the safety concerns. Nonetheless, the Islamist rebellion has endured and large parts of the northern and eastern zones of the nation persist outside government control.