Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has downplayed reports suggesting that Islamist militants are nearing the country’s capital, Bamako, describing such claims as “far-fetched.”
Speaking at the BAMEX’25 Defense Expo on Wednesday, Diop emphasized that the government had effectively managed the impact of a fuel blockade declared in September by the al Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
The blockade had led to long queues at fuel stations and brief school shutdowns across parts of the country.
“We are nowhere near the scenario being painted outside our borders, that terrorists are in Bamako or about to take it over,” Diop told reporters confidently, stressing that JNIM “cannot match the strength and capability of Mali’s defense forces.”
His remarks come amid warnings from several Western nations, including the United States, France, Britain, and Italy advising their citizens to leave Mali due to mounting security concerns. The African Union has also called for a coordinated international response to the growing instability.
However, Diop dismissed those alerts as exaggerated and aimed at creating unnecessary panic. He insisted that Mali remains safe and continues to welcome foreigners.
The foreign minister also highlighted that relations with Washington are improving, saying Mali and the United States are maintaining active discussions on both security and economic cooperation.
According to Diop, the government remains fully committed to protecting its citizens and ensuring national stability despite ongoing challenges.
