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The French Republic has released an urgent warning for its people in Mali to leave as rapidly as achievable, as Islamist insurgents continue their embargo of the country.

The Paris's external affairs department recommended citizens to exit using aviation transport while they continue operating, and to avoid surface transportation.

Fuel Crisis Worsens

A 60-day fuel blockade on the West African country, established by an al-Qaeda-aligned organization has overturned everyday activities in the capital, the urban center, and different parts of the surrounded African nation - a former French colony.

France's declaration coincided with the maritime company - the leading international shipping company - announcing it was suspending its services in the country, mentioning the restriction and declining stability.

Insurgent Actions

The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the hindrance by attacking fuel trucks on primary roads.

Mali has no coast so all fuel supplies are brought in by road from adjacent countries such as the neighboring country and the coastal nation.

Diplomatic Actions

Last month, the US embassy in Bamako announced that support diplomatic workers and their relatives would leave the nation during the crisis.

It said the gasoline shortages had affected the supply of electricity and had the "possibility of affecting" the "overall security situation" in "unforeseen manners".

Leadership Background

Mali is currently ruled by a military junta commanded by Gen Assimi Goïta, who initially took control in a coup in the past decade.

The military council had public approval when it gained authority, promising to handle the long-running security crisis prompted by a independence uprising in the north by nomadic populations, which was then hijacked by radical groups.

International Presence

The international peace mission and French forces had been deployed in recent years to deal with the escalating insurgency.

The two have withdrawn since the armed leadership gained power, and the security leadership has hired foreign security contractors to address the insecurity.

However, the militant uprising has endured and extensive regions of the north and east of the country persist outside government control.