BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce on Friday warned Chinese firms in Mali about security risks as the African nation's military turmoil escalated.

Chinese companies should closely monitor changes in the country's security situation and take stronger precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

The ministry suggested Chinese business people and travelers delay their visits to Mali, and that people working in Mali leave the country temporarily, according to the statement.

Once one of the most stable democracies in West Africa, Mali has been in turmoil since a coup on March 22. More than 200,000 Malians have fled?their hometown and sought refuge abroad, according to data from the United Nations.