France, Nov. 10 -- The president of the African Union Commission has expressed "deep concern" over the security situation in Mali and an ongoing jihadist blockade that has impacted civilians, and called for "urgent international action". Given the situation, France has recommended its citizens leave the country as soon as possible.

African Union Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed "deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Mali" on Sunday, referring to an ongoing fuel blockade by jihadists that has impacted civilians.

For weeks, jihadists with the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) have imposed a fuel blockade on Mali, creating a crisis for the ruling military junta....