Location:
Boulevard de l’ Indépendance and Palais des Sports
Events:
The movement “Yerewolo, debout sur les remparts” (Patriots Standing up on the Ramparts) has called for a protest against the presence of French troops in Mali. The protest is slated to occur at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 26, 2021, along the Boulevard de l’Indépendance. Malian authorities are aware of, but have not yet approved, the protest.
Additionally, the Military Defense Committee (CDM) is planning a large meeting to be held on Friday, March 26 at 2:00 PM in memory of the 33 FAMa soldiers killed in Tessit on March 15. The meeting will take place at the Palais des Sports in ACI 2000. Malian authorities are aware of, but have not yet approved, the meeting.
Demonstrations sometimes turn violent, resulting in the burning of tires, clashes with the police, blockage on the roads and bridges, throwing of rocks at vehicles, the deployment of tear gas, and small arms fire.
American citizens are advised to:
- Avoid the area of the demonstration
- Do not attempt to drive through protests or roadblocks
- Continue to exercise vigilance while in Mali
- Exercise caution if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests
- Review your personal security plans
- Keep a low profile
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep some form of communication with you
- Monitor local media for updates
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
- +223 20 70 23 00
- +223 66 75 28 60 (after-hours emergencies)
- State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs – 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information for Mali.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
