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The French Republic has released an immediate advisory for its nationals in the landlocked nation to depart as quickly as possible, as jihadist fighters maintain their blockade of the nation.

The French foreign ministry recommended individuals to leave using airline services while they are still accessible, and to steer clear of overland travel.

Fuel Crisis Escalates

A two-month-old fuel blockade on the West African country, established by an al-Qaeda-aligned faction has overturned daily life in the main city, Bamako, and other regions of the enclosed African nation - a one-time French territory.

France's announcement came as MSC - the largest global shipping company - stating it was ceasing its activities in the country, referencing the blockade and worsening safety.

Jihadist Activities

The Islamist organization Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin has created the obstruction by attacking fuel trucks on main routes.

The country has restricted maritime borders so all fuel supplies are delivered by highway from neighboring states such as Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.

Diplomatic Actions

In recent weeks, the United States representation in Bamako announced that non-essential diplomatic staff and their families would evacuate Mali amid the crisis.

It said the petroleum interruptions had impacted the energy distribution and had the "capacity to disturb" the "general safety conditions" in "unforeseen manners".

Leadership Background

The West African nation is now led by a military junta headed by the military leader, who originally assumed authority in a military takeover in recent years.

The junta had popular support when it gained authority, promising to address the extended stability issues caused by a autonomy movement in the north by ethnic Tuaregs, which was subsequently taken over by radical groups.

Global Involvement

The international peace mission and Paris's troops had been stationed in 2013 to deal with the increasing militant activity.

Both have departed since the military assumed control, and the military government has contracted foreign security contractors to combat the insecurity.

Nevertheless, the jihadist insurgency has continued and large parts of the northern and eastern zones of the country continue away from official jurisdiction.