NEWS & POLITICS
AU urges global action as Jihadist attacks spark fuel crisis and kidnappings in Mali
The African Union (AU) has issued an urgent call for international intervention following a surge in insurgent attacks in Mali that have triggered fuel shortages, disrupted daily life, and resulted in the kidnapping of foreign nationals.
Noluthando Buthelezi
BAMAKO, Mali — November 11, 2025 (Running Africa) - In the most recent attack, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)—an Al Qaeda-linked jihadist coalition- ambushed convoys of fuel tankers, cutting off supplies and forcing the temporary closure of businesses and schools. Security analysts warn that the incident signals the group's expanding influence across the West African nation.
JNIM Expands Footprint Across the Sahel
JNIM has carried out deadly attacks across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, countries now governed by military juntas following successive coups.
The jihadist network is notorious for using kidnappings for ransom as a major source of funding. According to a recent report by Reuters, two Emirati nationals were released after an alleged ransom payment of approximately $50 million, underscoring the scale of the group's financial operations.
African Union Condemns Attacks, Calls for Joint Action
AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf strongly condemned the latest wave of violence, describing the attacks as “devastating” for innocent civilians. In a statement, he called for enhanced regional cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and consistent international support for Sahel nations battling violent extremism.
The AU has warned that without coordinated global action, extremist groups could tighten their hold over vast stretches of the Sahel, worsening humanitarian conditions and destabilizing the wider region.
Western Nations Urge Citizens to Leave Mali
Amid rising instability, the United Kingdom, the United States, and France have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to leave Mali immediately. France's foreign ministry warned against all travel to the country, advising nationals to rely on commercial flights while they remain available and to avoid all overland routes.
It remains unclear whether the French advisory also applies to embassy personnel, but diplomatic sources say contingency plans are being reviewed as security conditions deteriorate.
