France urges citizens to leave Mali after rebel attacks
Summary
France has told its citizens to leave Mali quickly after attacks by rebel groups and Islamist militants in several cities, including the capital, Bamako. The UK has also warned its citizens to leave Mali and avoid travel there due to unsafe security conditions.Key Facts
- Rebel and militant attacks occurred across Mali, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sévaré, and Mopti over the weekend.
- Sadio Camara, Mali’s defense leader, was killed in a suicide bombing in Kati.
- The separatist Azawad Liberation Front took control of Kidal, a northern city.
- Mali’s military leader, Gen Assimi Goïta, said the army had responded strongly and that security was under control.
- France advised its citizens to stay home, limit movement, and leave Mali as soon as possible by commercial flights.
- The UK government similarly advised against all travel to Mali and told British citizens to leave immediately if it was safe.
- Mali is governed by a military junta led by Goïta, who came to power in a 2020 coup promising to improve security.
- Russia has provided mercenaries to help Mali’s military, but conflict with armed groups continues in the north and east.
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