France urges citizens to leave Mali amid escalating security crisis

France has advised its citizens in Mali to leave the country “as soon as possible,” citing a rapidly deteriorating security situation following a wave of deadly attacks.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry warned that conditions remain “extremely volatile” after coordinated assaults struck several locations, including the capital, Bamako. French nationals were urged to use available commercial flights to depart and to limit movement, remain indoors where possible, and stay in contact with relatives.

The advisory follows attacks carried out by armed groups, including the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front, which targeted multiple cities across the country.

Mali’s transitional government confirmed that Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed during the violence. According to officials, a suicide attacker detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at his residence in Kati, a key military hub near the capital.

Authorities said Camara engaged the attackers before sustaining critical injuries. He was transported to a hospital but later died from his wounds.

France’s warning underscores growing international concern over instability in Mali, where militant activity and political tensions have continued to intensify, raising fears of further violence and uncertainty in the region.