Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said the country is effectively managing the impact of a fuel blockade declared in September by al Qaeda-linked group JNIM, which had caused long queues at petrol stations and temporarily closed schools.
“JNIM is no match for our security forces,” Diop told reporters. “We are far from the scenarios being described outside the country about terrorists entering Bamako or taking over. Those making such claims need to wake up from their dreams.”
The African Union on 9 November called for urgent international action, including intelligence-sharing, to address worsening security. Western nations including the U.S., France, Britain, and Italy urged their citizens to leave. Diop argued that the AU’s call reflected a poor understanding of the situation on the ground.
Schools in the capital have begun reopening, and Bamako recently hosted a defence exhibition featuring Turkish defence companies. Diop emphasised that while Mali respects the decisions of countries advising evacuations, the nation remains welcoming to foreigners.
The military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have withdrawn from the West African bloc ECOWAS, distanced themselves from Western allies, and sought military support from Russia. Diop also noted that relations with the U.S. were improving under the current administration, with ongoing dialogue on security and economic matters.