Archive · 29 Oct 2025
U.S. Embassy Advises Americans to Leave Mali Due to Fuel Crisis and Security Threats
Imagine Mali is a country that needs fuel, like cars need gas to drive.
A group called JNIM, which is linked to al-Qaeda, has decided to stop all the trucks carrying fuel from coming into Mali.
They've been doing this since early September.
Because of this, there's hardly any fuel left, and it's hard for people to travel.
Even schools and universities have to close for a couple of weeks because there isn't enough fuel to keep things running.
The U.S. government has told all Americans living in Mali that it's not safe right now.
They are telling them to leave the country as fast as possible, but only by flying on airplanes.
They also warned that driving out of Mali is too dangerous because of possible terrorist attacks on the roads.
This serious warning highlights the difficulties Mali is facing with these militant groups and their impact on the country's fuel supply and safety.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali has instructed American citizens to leave the country immediately.
A severe fuel crisis is occurring in Mali due to a blockade of fuel tankers by the al-Qaida-linked JNIM group, which began in early September.
Schools and universities nationwide have been closed for two weeks due to disruptions caused by the fuel shortage.
Overland travel to neighboring countries is not recommended due to the risk of terrorist attacks on highways.
The Malian military has attempted to escort fuel trucks, but some convoys have been attacked.
- Who
- U.S. citizens in Mali
- What
- Advised to leave Mali immediately due to a severe fuel crisis and security threats.
- When
- Advisory issued recently; blockade began in early September; school closures starting Sunday.
- Where
- Mali, specifically impacting travel routes and fuel supply.
- Why
- A blockade by al-Qaida-linked militants has caused severe fuel shortages, disrupting daily life and increasing security risks, with threats of terrorist attacks on highways.
Al-Qaida-linked JNIM militants
U.S. Embassy in Mali
Fuel Blockade Impact
Al-Qaida-linked JNIM militants
JNIM militants imposed a blockade in early September on fuel imports, preventing fuel from reaching Mali and leaving hundreds of fuel trucks stranded.
U.S. Embassy in Mali
The blockade has caused a severe fuel scarcity, disrupting daily life, leading to the closure of schools and universities, and affecting transportation and commodity prices.
Travel Safety
Al-Qaida-linked JNIM militants
Militant activity and attacks on national highways have increased security risks, particularly for overland travel.
U.S. Embassy in Mali
The U.S. Embassy has advised U.S. citizens to depart Mali immediately via commercial aviation and cautioned against overland travel due to terrorist attacks.
- Advisory Issued By
- U.S. Embassy in Mali
- Citizens Advised To
- Depart Mali immediately using commercial aviation.
- Reason for Advisory
- Severe fuel scarcity caused by a blockade on fuel imports, and increased security risks from terrorist attacks.
- Blockade Imposed By
- Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-backed group.
- Blockade Began
- Early September
- Impact of Shortage
- Closure of all schools and universities nationwide for two weeks; affected transportation and commodity prices; hundreds of fuel trucks stranded.
- Overland Travel Advisory
- Not recommended due to terrorist attacks along national highways.
Sources
US warns citizens in Mali to leave country immediately
US advises its citizens to leave Mali ‘immediately’ over fuel blockade by jihadists
US Embassy Advisory for Mali Explained: Why ‘Depart Immediately’ Warning Has Been Issued
