U.S. orders diplomatic staff to exit Mali amid escalating crisis and security concerns

The United States has authorized the departure of non-essential diplomatic staff and family members from Mali, citing escalating security concerns and worsening fuel shortages that have crippled daily life across the country.

In a statement released Friday, the U.S. State Department said it “cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Bamako due to safety risks,” maintaining its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the West African nation.

The move follows a heightened risk alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bamako on October 23, warning that persistent fuel shortages were disrupting transportation, electricity, and basic services nationwide.

“Persistent and unpredictable disruptions of available gasoline and diesel supplies are impacting cities throughout Mali, including Bamako,” the embassy said, adding that the shortages “have the potential to disrupt the overall security situation in unpredictable ways.”

The directive highlights the deepening instability in Mali, where a combination of jihadist violence, political isolation, and economic strain has compounded an already fragile environment.

Militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to operate in large swathes of the country, particularly in the north and center, despite years of counterterrorism efforts.

The withdrawal of international troops and aid partners has further eroded state control in some regions, leaving civilians vulnerable to attacks and displacement.

The two countries clashed over the U.S. “visa bond” policy announced in 2020, which required certain countries with high overstay rates including Mali, to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 for some visa applicants.

Washington has since expressed concern over Mali’s cooperation with Russian security contractors and alleged human rights abuses linked to its operations. U.S. officials have also criticized the junta’s repeated postponement of elections, warning that prolonged military rule could deepen the country’s isolation.

For now, the embassy in Bamako continues to urge caution: “U.S. citizens should continue to avoid travel to Mali… and ensure vehicles are fueled, if possible,” it said.

The warning highlights the extent to which daily insecurity, compounded by basic supply shortages, has become the new normal in one of West Africa’s most volatile states.