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The French Republic has released an immediate warning for its citizens in Mali to depart as soon as feasible, as militant groups continue their restriction of the country.

The French foreign ministry advised nationals to depart using commercial flights while they are still accessible, and to avoid overland travel.

Fuel Crisis Worsens

A two-month-old fuel blockade on the West African country, implemented by an al-Qaeda-aligned organization has upended daily life in the capital, the capital city, and additional areas of the surrounded West African country - a one-time French territory.

France's declaration occurred alongside the global shipping giant - the largest global transport corporation - announcing it was suspending its services in the country, citing the blockade and deteriorating security.

Militant Operations

The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the blockage by assaulting petroleum vehicles on major highways.

The country has no coast so every petroleum delivery are brought in by highway from bordering nations such as the neighboring country and Ivory Coast.

Global Reaction

Recently, the US embassy in Bamako stated that non-essential diplomatic staff and their families would evacuate Mali amid the crisis.

It stated the gasoline shortages had impacted the supply of electricity and had the "possibility of affecting" the "general safety conditions" in "uncertain fashions".

Political Context

The West African nation is presently governed by a military leadership headed by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a government overthrow in the past decade.

The military council had public approval when it took power, committing to address the protracted safety emergency triggered by a separatist rebellion in the north by Tuareg communities, which was then hijacked by jihadist fighters.

Global Involvement

The international peace mission and French forces had been positioned in 2013 to deal with the increasing militant activity.

Both have left since the military assumed control, and the armed forces administration has hired foreign security contractors to tackle the insecurity.

Nonetheless, the jihadist insurgency has continued and extensive regions of the northern and eastern zones of the nation persist away from official jurisdiction.