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Written question asked by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2025. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mali: Politics and Government

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Mali following reports of Jamat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin encircling Bamako and imposing a fuel blockade; and what steps she is taking to ensure the safety and departure of British nationals to leave the country.

Answer

The continued terrorist fuel blockade is deeply concerning for Mali, and for the wider region, and we condemn its impact on civilians. The Foreign Secretary wrote to Foreign Minister Diop on 6 November, and the Minister for International Development and Africa spoke to him on 10 November, encouraging him to cooperate closely with all West African partners to address this shared challenge.

The UK works with Malian institutions and society to address fragility and support regional stability. Last year, we invested over £35 million in Mali through our regional overseas development assistance programmes. This year, we plan to spend £170 million in the Sahel region, to address the drivers of conflict and provide humanitarian support.

On 30 October, we advised British nationals to leave Mali urgently by commercial means. No British nationals have requested support during this period, but our consular assistance remains available around the clock, and we continue to update Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice as necessary.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
91991
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British nationals abroad Politics and government Mali
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk