France Advises Citizens to Leave Mali Amid Rising Rebel Attacks
France has issued a warning to its citizens, urging them to leave Mali immediately following a series of coordinated attacks by separatist fighters and Islamist militants. The French government has also advised against any travel to the West African nation, citing the situation as 'extremely volatile.' Over the weekend, Mali experienced explosions and sustained gunfire across the country, including in the capital, Bamako. In a significant incident, the defense leader Sadio Camara was killed in Kati due to a suicide bombing by militants. Additionally, separatist forces have taken control of the city of Kidal in the north. Despite these developments, Mali's military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has stated that the security situation is under control.