Three Egyptian citizens who were kidnapped in Mali have been released following "intensive coordination" with the Malian government, Egypt's foreign ministry announced on Sunday. The ministry stated that the release was achieved through the combined efforts of the Egyptian Embassy in Bamako and various state institutions. While the statement did not disclose the identity of the kidnappers or the specific location of the abduction, it confirmed the trio's safety. Kidnappings for ransom or political leverage are a persistent threat in the Sahel nation, where armed groups have frequently targeted both foreigners and locals. The security situation has remained volatile since a jihadist insurgency took root in the north in 2012, later spreading to the centre of the country and neighbouring states. Mali is currently navigating a complex security transition following the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) and French forces. The Malian government have since pivoted towards new security partnerships, including with Russia, to bolster the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) in their campaign to reclaim territory from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Following the incident, the foreign ministry renewed its security advisory for all Egyptians residing in Mali. Citizens were urged to exercise "extreme caution" and to strictly avoid travelling outside the capital, Bamako, to other cities or regions at the present time. While the capital, Bamako, in the south-west remains relatively secure under government control, vast swathes of the northern and central hinterlands are subject to asymmetrical warfare and insurgent activity, making road travel hazardous. The ministry also called on its nationals to adhere fully to local laws and instructions issued by Malian authorities, emphasizing the necessity of carrying identification documents at all times. The statement reiterated Cairo's commitment to monitoring the conditions of its citizens abroad and confirmed it is maintaining communication with Malian authorities to ensure the continued safety of the Egyptian community in the country.
