Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop held a crucial telephone meeting on November 10, 2025, with the British Minister of State for Development in charge of Africa, Baroness Chapman, as the country grapples with escalating security tensions and severe fuel shortages.
The discussion follows travel warnings issued by the United States, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, advising their citizens to leave Mali or avoid non-essential travel due to instability and logistical disruptions.
Diop detailed the government’s efforts to secure hydrocarbon transport routes, regulate imports, and maintain fuel supply to critical public and private facilities.
National forces are actively protecting key corridors, while authorities monitor stocks and distribution through coordinated oversight with economic operators.
Baroness Chapman affirmed the UK’s support, praised the direct communication channel, and emphasized the importance of relying on official updates amid the fluid security situation.
Both sides committed to continued dialogue, diplomatic engagement, and coordinated monitoring of developments on the ground.
Since mid-September, attacks on tanker convoys in central and northern Mali have triggered widespread fuel shortages, forcing authorities to reorganize delivery routes, mobilize strategic reserves, and strengthen transport security.
