A general view shows a billboard reading: "General Assimi is for Mali what General de Gaulle was for France" on a street in Bamako. AFP
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry affirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and that the Egyptian Embassy in Bamako is in constant communication with relevant Malian authorities to follow up on the status of the Egyptian community.
The ministry urged Egyptian nationals to strictly adhere to local authorities’ instructions and regulations, and to carry identification documents at all times.
It also provided emergency contact numbers for Egyptians in Mali, including the hotline of the Egyptian Embassy in Bamako, which is available via phone and WhatsApp at (+22382189158), as well as the embassy’s landline at (+22320223565).
Additionally, the ministry noted that the Consular Affairs Hotline in Cairo remains available for emergencies and supports WhatsApp at (+201226858000).
The Egyptian foreign ministry’s statement comes after al-Qaeda–affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its Arabic acronym “Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin” (JNIM), claimed responsibility for kidnapping three Egyptians in western Mali, demanding a ransom of $5 million for their release.
The group had initially announced the abduction of two Egyptians before later confirming it had seized a third; a businessman it accused of cooperating with Malian authorities.
JNIM described the operation as a “blow to supporters of the Russian occupation,” referring to Mali’s cooperation with Russian “Africa Corps” forces.
The abductions form part of the group’s broader escalation against Mali’s government, which includes attempts to enforce an economic blockade by cutting off key routes leading to Bamako.
The disruptions have caused fuel shortages, closure of schools and universities, and surging prices of basic goods.
In recent months, Mali has also witnessed a series of kidnappings targeting foreigners working in development projects and mining areas, including Indians, Chinese, Emiratis, and Iranians.
Funding itself through ransom payments, the group reportedly received at least $50 million recently for the release of two Emirati hostages and their Iranian colleague, according to AFP.
The escalating violence has triggered international warnings, with the US, the UK, and France urging their citizens to leave Mali immediately and downsizing their diplomatic operations.
Short link: