Mali Rebels Block Fuel And Kidnap Foreigners, African Union Urges The World To Intervene

JAKARTA - The African Union calls for international community action in its involvement in creating conduciveness in Mali following rebels began to blockade fuel oil (BBM) and kidnap foreigners.

Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Mali.

"Where terrorist groups have imposed a blockade, disrupted access to essential supplies, and exacerbated humanitarian conditions for civilians," Youssouf said in a statement, quoted by AFP, Monday WIB.

He encouraged the world's coreligents to engage by sharing information to reconcile the situation in Mali.

"Increasing cooperation, intelligence sharing, and ongoing support" for countries in the Sahel affected by violent extremism," he continued.

He also called for the immediate release of three Egyptian nationals who were reportedly recently kidnapped by the Mali rebels.

An active Al Qaeda-affiliated militant group in the Sahel region of West Africa has been blocking fuel imports since September, attacking tanker convoys, and creating fuel shortages that force school and business closures in Mali.

Youssouf said the rebels began to raise concerns because it was strongly indicated that they forced their power in Mali.

Meanwhile, Western countries including the US, France, Britain, and Italy are urging their citizens to leave Mali.