Demonstrators gathered across Imphal West chanting for justice and calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, restore stability and address their grievances. Many also demanded stronger action against armed groups and criticised the role of central security forces, as anger grows over repeated incidents of violence.

“I can report to you… at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” Tinubu said. “I’m making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training.”

The president described insecurity as a major challenge facing his government , saying it threatens development and prosperity. He told the governors that equipment acquisition was also one of the key issues raised during his UK trip.

Tinubu also warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could worsen inflation and hit Nigerians’ purchasing power through higher fuel and transport costs, which often feed into food prices.

The push for external support comes as Nigeria battles multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, separatist tensions in the South-East and widespread kidnapping.

It also follows recent bombings in Maiduguri , after which Tinubu ordered security chiefs to relocate to the city and approved additional equipment and operational support to boost counterterrorism efforts.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as military strikes, tanker attacks and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz rattle global markets.

Global energy watchdog, the International Energy Agency (IEA), said on Thursday, March 12, the conflict has created the "largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market", removing millions of barrels a day from the market.

The Strait of Hormuz alone normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With shipping traffic collapsing after Iranian retaliation and US-Israeli strikes, global energy markets have entered a period of extreme volatility.

For Africa, the consequences could be severe.

According to a Ghanaian financial analyst, Nelson Cudjoe Kuagbedzi, the biggest risk for African economies lies in the disruption of international supply chains.

“Okay, so I think the biggest risk has to do basically with the disruption in the international supply chains,” he told Global South  World. “Most of the goods and products that we use in Africa are imported, most especially petroleum products.”

That vulnerability is rooted in the structure of Africa’s energy sector. Despite producing crude oil, the continent lacks sufficient refining capacity and therefore imports much of the fuel it consumes.

In fact, Africa imports more than 70% of its refined petroleum products, leaving economies highly exposed to fluctuations in global oil markets.

Nelson says the continent’s limited production also makes it impossible to cushion the impact of a prolonged conflict.

“It is also important to know that the total crude output in Africa represents less than 10% of global crude output,” he explained.

The crisis also exposes another longstanding economic challenge of how Africa exports raw materials but imports many finished products.

“We haven't also developed our economies enough to the extent that we will use homegrown solutions to solve homegrown policies,” Kuagbedzi said.

“I mean, raw cocoa, raw gold, raw coffee, raw timber.”

For him, the war should serve as a wake-up call.

However, the Middle East remains the backbone of global oil supply. Many members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are located in the region, producing a significant share of the petroleum used worldwide.

According to Nelson, that concentration makes Africa particularly vulnerable.

“Most of the OPEC members that produce the chunk of the petroleum products, whether crude or refined, that we use in Africa, most of those OPEC members are in the Middle East,” he said.

With tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted and oil shipments stalled, markets are already reacting. Brent crude surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since the Ukraine war's energy shock.

If the crisis deepens, some analysts warn prices could climb much higher, intensifying inflation worldwide.

The case was disclosed by Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, inspector general of the Philippine Navy, during a security briefing that outlined how the system worked and why it was difficult for authorities to detect.

According to officials, the application initially appeared identical to a normal gaming app. However, once a specific password prompt was entered, the programme activated a hidden messaging system embedded within the game.

“It was specifically designed so that the communications capability was embedded within the gaming app,” Trinidad said. The disguised platform allowed users to exchange messages without triggering conventional monitoring tools used to track suspicious digital communications.

Suspects are Filipinos, too

Authorities said the operation relied heavily on insiders with access to sensitive government information. 

Investigators identified three Filipino suspects using aliases — “Lawrence,” a former defence department employee who later worked with the navy; “Allyson,” described as a security sector analyst; and “Danny,” a Manila-based contact linked to the Philippine Coast Guard.

These individuals had access to documents ranging from confidential to top-secret classifications. Some of the information reportedly concerned personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine naval vessel at Ayungin Shoal in the disputed South China Sea .

Military officials warned that such intelligence could potentially be used not only for strategic purposes but also to exert pressure on military personnel and their families.

The alleged network also relied on financial incentives. Investigators said payments ranged from four- to six-digit amounts and were transmitted through digital wallets. In some cases, transactions were reportedly disguised through everyday online purchases, such as food delivery orders, to avoid drawing attention.

Officials also described attempts by foreign operatives to recruit additional insiders. In one instance, a navy officer reported that a foreign woman had approached him and asked for sensitive information, an encounter he immediately reported to authorities.

For the Philippine government, the case highlights what security officials describe as the growing challenge of “ insider threats ” — individuals within institutions who can access classified information and may be vulnerable to recruitment.

Cornelio Valencia Jr., assistant director general of the National Security Council, said the discovery underscores the need to strengthen background checks, security clearances and monitoring systems across agencies handling sensitive data.

China’s embassy in Manila has denied any involvement in the alleged spy network, saying the country adheres to a policy of non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs and describing the accusations as damaging and unfounded.

What was compromised

NSC spokesperson Cornelio Valencia said some information about Philippine resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea had been leaked.

Authorities said the communication channels used to transmit the information have since been shut down.

How the alleged spying worked

Two suspects described their actions to Reuters under an agreement not to reveal their identities.

Another suspect said he was initially recruited through a paid writing offer.

China’s response

China’s foreign ministry rejected the accusations.

Officials said the case was unclear and lacked conclusive evidence.

What the government is pushing

The NSC is urging Congress to pass new laws to strengthen counter-intelligence capabilities, including:

Officials say the measures would expand investigative powers and help authorities prevent and disrupt foreign intelligence operations.

The bigger picture

The case comes as tensions between the Philippines and China remain high in the West Philippine Sea, where vessels from both sides frequently confront each other during Philippine resupply missions to its outposts.

Kwara State’s governor condemned the violence as a “cowardly” attack on civilians, while President Bola Tinubu labelled it “beastly” and ordered the deployment of an army battalion to the Kaiama district to support security forces. The killings come amid ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, where jihadist insurgency in the north-east and bandit attacks across central and northern regions continue to challenge authorities, despite recent military operations claimed to have weakened armed groups.

Arévalo said the violence was an attempt to spread fear and destabilise the country, adding that gangs later retaliated by attacking police in several regions. He also declared three days of national mourning for the fallen officers, while insisting the state of siege, which expands police and military powers, is aimed at restoring security without disrupting daily life or state institutions.

Nigeria’s economy is on course to record its strongest expansion in more than 10 years, with the World Bank upgrading its growth forecast to 4.4% for both 2026 and 2027. In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the Bank said growth rose to 4.2% in 2025, driven by services, particularly finance and information and communication technology, alongside a modest agricultural recovery and Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of refined petroleum products. “Growth in Nigeria is forecast to strengthen to 4.4 percent in both 2026 and 2027, the fastest pace in over a decade,” the report said, adding that tax reforms and prudent monetary policy are expected to support activity, improve investor sentiment and further reduce inflation. The Bank, however, cautioned that sustaining momentum will require tackling long-standing structural weaknesses and strengthening fiscal discipline to ensure growth is durable and inclusive.

Nigeria and UAE deepen ties

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will co-host the Investopia investment conference with the United Arab Emirates in Lagos in February, as both countries seek to attract global capital and boost sustainable investment inflows. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, following the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the UAE. Tinubu described the CEPA as a historic deal that will deepen cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade. “We warmly invite our partners to help build sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa and the world,” he said, noting that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance while strengthening climate governance through a new national carbon market framework.

Lagos fire service reports 133 deaths in 2025

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said 133 bodies were recovered from emergency incidents across the state in 2025, as it responded to 2,617 emergency calls during the year. Speaking at the agency’s annual staff engagement, Controller General Margaret Adeseye said fire incidents accounted for about 85% of all calls, with 473 victims rescued alive. She disclosed that properties valued at ₦118.3 billion (approx. US$78.9 million) were saved, while losses stood at ₦19.7 billion (approx. US$13.1 million), representing a 6:1 save-to-loss ratio. Adeseye said the figures highlight the importance of preparedness and professionalism in a rapidly growing megacity, adding that the recent passage of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Bill has strengthened the agency’s institutional framework and operational efficiency.

Police decline to comment on U.S. airstrikes

The Nigerian Police Force has confirmed it has intelligence on recent United States airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State, but said it would not disclose details publicly. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the matter should be addressed by defence authorities, stressing that the police would not comment on the operation. The strikes , carried out on December 25, were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defence, which said “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in an operation conducted at Nigeria’s request. U.S. President Donald Trump described the action as a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria.

U.S. delivers military assets to support counter-terror operations

Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry received a boost with the delivery of what the United States described as “critical military supplies” to support ongoing security operations. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the delivery underscores the security partnership between both countries, although details of the equipment were not disclosed. The development comes as Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, seeks to fast-track the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters from the United States. The latest support follows recent joint U.S.-Nigerian strikes against ISIS-affiliated groups in Sokoto State.

A tanker carrying 85,000 barrels of Mexican crude oil arrived in Havana, continuing ongoing exports to Cuba amid Venezuela’s deepening energy crisis and shifting regional dynamics. The government confirmed the shipments are part of sustained contracts or humanitarian aid, and that Mexico has become a significant supplier to Cuba as Venezuelan output declines. Data shows Mexico exported an average of over 12,000 bpd to Cuba in 2025, surpassing Venezuela’s deliveries, although President Claudia Sheinbaum insists levels remain within historical norms. Critics, including opposition figures, argue the exports lack transparency and represent a financial contribution to Cuba’s government without clear public accounting. The move occurs against rising geopolitical tension with the United States over Cuba and Venezuela policy.

Sheinbaum orders foreign affairs talks after Trump’s cartel claims

President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security cooperation after US President Donald Trump announced plans to “start attacking the cartels on the ground.” Sheinbaum said the talks aim to “strengthen communication” and share information on seized drug laboratories and coordinated efforts. She also spoke to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to reaffirm a shared understanding of security issues, describing Trump’s rhetoric as part of his communication style. The diplomatic move reflects efforts to balance cooperation with the US and Mexico’s sovereignty amid heightened cross-border security concerns.

Experts warn of potential terrorism risk ahead of 2026 World Cup

Security specialists have flagged a potential terrorism risk in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that the heightened global profile of the event could attract threats. At a security panel, they urged stronger coordination among Mexico, the United States and Canada to improve screening and border security, and highlighted vulnerabilities such as gaps in shared traveller-vetting systems. Former Mexican ambassador Arturo Sarukhán emphasised the need for integrated security strategies to prevent incidents tied to organised crime or extremist actors during the tournament. The warning reflects broader concerns about public safety and international cooperation in the run-up to one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Government ups its bet on voluntary disarmament to curb violence

Mexico’s federal government is increasing cash incentives for the voluntary surrender of firearms under its “Sí al Desarme, Sí a la Paz” programme, part of a broader strategy to reduce violence and illegal gun circulation. The new scale of payments offers higher amounts for surrendering machine guns, military-grade rifles and other weapons compared with last year, alongside protections for participants’ anonymity. The initiative, coordinated by the Secretariat of the Interior and backed by the army for the secure destruction of collected arms, is intended to tackle structural causes of violent crime by removing firearms from circulation. Officials say the programme boosts community safety while encouraging peaceful engagement.

National forest policy updated with new zoning framework

The government published a national forest zoning agreement under the General Law of Sustainable Forest Development, creating a unified, technical framework to manage Mexico’s forests. The zoning categorises forested areas by natural vocation, from conservation and restoration to sustainable production zones, using geospatial data and ecological inventories to guide planning and protect biodiversity. Authorities say the policy aims to improve coordination across government levels, promote conservation and support sustainable resource use while safeguarding soil, water and ecosystem services . The move responds to long-standing calls for more strategic, science-based forest governance and environmental planning.

The country became the first Black-led republic, the first independent nation in the Caribbean, and the second independent state in the Western Hemisphere, following the United States .

The Haitian Revolution, which spanned from 1791 to 1804, involved a series of conflicts between enslaved Haitians, colonial forces, and foreign armies, including those from Britain and France . 

This revolution resulted in the abolition of slavery in Haiti and the establishment of a sovereign state.

On social media, Haitians shared images of the national flag, family photos, and messages of peace. Many also posted chants of resistance in recognition of the country’s revolutionary past and ongoing challenges.

Haiti continues to face significant political and social instability . Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has experienced worsening insecurity. Throughout 2023, gang-related violence escalated, with criminal groups taking control of over 80% of Port-au-Prince, the capital.

In April 2024, Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down from office, leading to the formation of a transitional presidential council. As law enforcement capacity weakened and incidents of vigilantism increased, the United Nations Security Council approved the deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security mission to support the Haitian police in curbing gang violence. The mission officially began on June 25, 2024, after several delays.

Guatemala is seeing a shift in organised crime dynamics as Mexican cartels, notably Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación and a newer Cartel Chiapas–Guatemala faction expand influence, challenging old tacit “peace” arrangements and escalating violent territorial disputes. Analysts note that Guatemala is no longer just a transit zone for narcotics but a space of active control and conflict, marked by armed clashes, murders and threats to security forces. Recent incidents in Huehuetenango and Sololá highlight this pattern of violence spreading from the Mexico–Guatemala frontier into the interior of the country.

PNC says report blaming army was written under threats

The National Civil Police (PNC) has disputed an earlier police report that accused the Guatemalan Army of attacking civilians and a patrol in Nahualá, Sololá during recent clashes. The PNC claims the original report was drafted under coercion, threats and extreme violence by armed groups, and insists that a revised, verifiable account was later submitted to prosecutors. Authorities maintain that the verified version confirms engagements with illegal armed actors and justifies the state of prevention in the area. The violence forms part of a broader security crisis in western Guatemala, where long-running territorial disputes between Nahualá and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán have escalated into armed attacks on police and military positions. The unrest prompted the government to deploy security forces and impose temporary restrictions on movement and public gatherings.

Debate intensifies over Guatemala’s 2026 minimum wage increase

Guatemalan officials have approved an increase in the minimum wage for 2026, with differentiated hikes across sectors, 7.5% for non-agricultural work, 5.5% in agriculture and 4% in export and maquila sectors, effective 1 January. While the government says the adjustments align with technical criteria and economic needs, some analysts argue the rise exceeds what economic indicators justify and could challenge business formalisation. Business groups have called for more technical discussion on wage policy amid divided reactions across sectors.

Guatemala expels alleged Mara 18 gang member to El Salvador

Guatemalan authorities located and expelled Adilson Alfonso “Fatboy” Gómez, a 39-year-old alleged member of the Mara 18 gang wanted in El Salvador with multiple arrest orders. The operation, involving investigators from the DIPANDA unit, reflects continued efforts to remove transnational gang figures hiding in Guatemala. Gómez was delivered to Salvadoran authorities after being found in Guatemala City’s Zone 7, and his expulsion underscores ongoing regional cooperation against organised gang activity.

US issues travel warning over violence in Sololá region

The United States Embassy in Guatemala has issued a travel advisory urging US citizens to avoid the municipalities of Nahualá and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán in Sololá due to deteriorating security following violent clashes. The alert follows the Guatemalan government ’s 15-day state of prevention declaration in response to recent armed confrontations that killed and wounded civilians and security forces. The embassy’s warning emphasises heightened risks for travellers in and around the conflict area.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority,” the ministry stated. It also emphasised that the federal government remains committed to protecting the rights of every Nigerian child to access education in a secure environment.

Although the statement did not specify the exact date when the schools resumed operations, it noted that many students are now concluding their December academic programmes, while others have completed their examinations.

The ministry reiterated that it continues to collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure sustained stability in school environments across the nation.

The closures were prompted by a series of coordinated abductions between 17 and 23 November. During this period, armed groups kidnapped over 300 students and 38 church congregants in northern Nigeria. 

Among the incidents, at least 25 schoolgirls were taken from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria, with one girl reported to have escaped from the abductors.

Subsequently, more than 100 pupils and teachers were abducted from St Mary's School in north-central Nigeria’s Niger State.

In response, several neighbouring states temporarily shut down schools within their territories. The federal government later secured the release of 100 abducted individuals on 7 December. However, some pupils remain in captivity.

The resurgence of mass school abductions—more than a year after the previous major incident in March 2024 —has been attributed to various factors. 

Authorities link the renewed attacks to a recent statement from the United States threatening military action over alleged “mass killing of Christians”, which the government says may have triggered retaliation from armed groups.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, President of the Haitian Presidential Transitional Council (PTC), welcomed the officers during an official ceremony, stating that the new arrivals will work alongside Haiti’s National Police and the Armed Forces to help secure the planned 2026 elections . “Haiti needs this support. The restoration of security is an imperative to allow the holding of elections,” he said, pledging visible results for the population.

The arrival of the new contingent coincided with the departure of another group of 100 Kenyan officers who completed their mission and returned home. Saint-Cyr thanked them for their service, expressing “eternal gratitude” on behalf of the nation and wishing them a safe return to their families.

The reinforcements come as Haiti awaits the full deployment of the Gang Repression Force (GRF), which is expected to reach 5,500 personnel. According to the UN, the GRF is intended to significantly weaken gang control and improve living conditions within a year of its full mobilisation.

The scale of the challenge remains immense. In 2024 alone, gang violence in Haiti reportedly left at least 5,600 people dead, more than 2,200 injured, 1,494 kidnapped, and over one million internally displaced. Between April and June 2025, authorities recorded a further 1,520 killings and more than 600 injuries, underscoring the country’s ongoing security emergency.

Tinubu said he cancelled his planned trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to personally oversee security efforts at home. He added that he continues to receive “continuous updates from the frontline” as operations to locate remaining victims continue.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered,” he wrote.

“Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people ,” Tinubu said. “Let me be clear: I will not relent.”

The president’s comments come after rising public pressure over repeated mass abductions and attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country. While security forces have reported several successful rescue operations in recent months, Nigerians continue to express concerns over the pace of reforms and the capacity of the government to prevent future kidnappings .

Tinubu praised the military, police and intelligence agencies for their efforts and urged citizens to remain calm as operations continue. Officials have not yet released details about the conditions of the rescued victims or whether any arrests were made during the operations.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives,” Akume said. “Before these statements, insurgency structures had been significantly degraded and reduced to isolated banditry.”

Akume rejected Trump’s characterisation of the conflict as religious persecution, insisting there is no evidence of a genocide against Christians. He said both churches and mosques had been targeted by extremist groups and stressed that Nigeria remains a secular state.

‘Our democracy is not under threat’

The warning came as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, criticised calls for U.S. intervention in Nigeria made by Umar Turaki, SAN, a factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Turaki had urged Trump and “advanced democracies” to intervene and “save Nigeria’s democracy” following clashes between rival PDP factions in Abuja.

Responding during a courtesy visit by the South-South Development Commission, Wike said Turaki’s comments were irresponsible and dangerous.

“You are calling on Trump to come and save your democracy when you cannot obey a simple court judgment,” Wike said. “Our democracy is not under threat. You cannot keep your house in order and then blame an outsider.”

Wike added that Turaki’s allegation of a “genocide against Christians” was a serious national security concern.

“In essence, you have come out to tell the world that the government is carrying out genocide against Christians. And where are the security agencies?” he asked, saying Turaki should have been invited to provide evidence for such claims.

Nigeria rejects talk of foreign troops

The government has also pushed back strongly against Trump’s suggestion of possible U.S. military deployment. Akume insisted that Nigeria’s armed forces are “highly capable, experienced and professional,” noting that they have reclaimed territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Nigeria says it remains open to collaboration with the U.S. but warns that public labeling and inaccurate narratives risk fuelling extremist propaganda.

For instance, Serbia is believed to have lost between 16% and 27.8% of its population during the war, placing it among the hardest-hit nations in proportional terms.

Meanwhile, Western European nations such as France lost around 4.3% to 4.4% of their populations.

These figures help explain why social and political life across Europe and beyond was permanently transformed: a generation of young men lost, entire communities disrupted, and the demographic shock rippling into post-war unrest and reconstruction.

For smaller states or those deeply entangled in fighting, the losses were especially devastating.

In today’s global context, the map also resonates with how we understand modern conflict and its ripple effects. As the world watches ongoing conflicts, whether in parts of Africa, Eurasia or the Middle East, the notion that war doesn’t just kill those who fight but also destabilises societies remains painfully relevant.

Furthermore, remembrance efforts continue to highlight the war’s legacy. In northern France, for example, dozens of remains of WWI soldiers are still being discovered each year, an enduring testament to how the conflict’s footprint remains in the landscape.

The remains of a World War I soldier unearthed during construction work in France were laid to rest on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. Serjeant Henry Ashton from Derbyshire, who lost his life at the age of 44 in 1917 during an operation near Lens, received a dignified burial more than a century after his passing.

"It has been a privilege to identify Sjt Ashton, and to be able to organise this burial service for him. When you consider the half a million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement," Alexia Clark, the UK's Ministry of Defence's War Detective, said.

At the heart of the crisis is the Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of Al‑Qaeda operating in the Sahel region. Since early September, the group has imposed a blockade on fuel imports into Mali, particularly targeting convoys coming from neighbouring countries.

The landlocked nature of Mali makes it especially vulnerable: fuel is fundamental not just for transport but for power, commerce and daily life. The blockade has triggered long queues at petrol stations, widespread power outages and a sharp slowdown in economic activity.

As a result of the fuel blockade, the Malian government announced the nationwide suspension of schools and universities for several weeks, citing that staff and students cannot reliably commute or that transport is disrupted.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that the blockade is part of a broader JNIM strategy to undermine the state’s authority, starve the capital city of resources, and force the government into a weakened position.

For foreign nationals, these developments translate into rapidly escalating risks. Beyond the direct threat of terrorist attacks or kidnappings, the breakdown of infrastructure means that escape routes may become compromised, flights and ground transport may be disrupted, and basic services may cease unexpectedly.

Indeed, the United States Embassy in Bamako has urged Americans to leave via commercial flights because overland travel is considered hazardous. Given these conditions, the governments of France, the US and the UK judge that their citizens’ safety cannot be guaranteed and therefore are advising departure “as soon as possible”.

What was once a challenging security environment has turned into one where the advisories now recommend immediate exit rather than just caution.