Paris: France has urged its citizens in Mali to leave immediately, as Islamist insurgents maintain their blockade of the country. The French Foreign Ministry recommended that citizens use commercial flights while they are still available and avoid traveling overland.

According to France24.com, the two-month-long fuel blockade, enforced by an al-Qaeda-linked group, has disrupted daily life in the capital, Bamako, and other parts of the landlocked West African nation, a former French colony. The situation has raised concerns over the availability of essential goods and services, impacting the local population and foreign residents alike.

Officials have highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and taking advantage of the current availability of commercial flights. The blockade has not only affected transportation but also posed significant challenges to the local economy and security environment.

The French authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have reiterated their commitment to protecting their citizens abroad. The ongoing instability in Mali underscores the broader challenges faced by the region due to extremist activities.