Security Messages for U.S. Citizens
May 8, 2014
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this message to alert U.S. citizens that a demonstration is currently planned for Friday, May 9. The Collective for the Defense of the Republic of Mali has called for its members to hold a march at the Place de la Liberté and Independence Avenue on Friday morning to encourage the Government of Mali to exercise full control of the Kidal region.
Malian National Police and Gendarmes are expected to provide a heavy security presence at this event. While the Embassy does not anticipate this march to become violent, the group is very critical of the government’s actions towards Kidal, and thus the demonstration has the potential to become disorderly and possibly confrontational.
The Embassy has advised all staff and their families to avoid these areas and has emphasized the need for employees to exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, and to take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety.
Although most demonstrations are generally contained and non-violent, they can get out of control very quickly. If you happen to be in an area in which a demonstration is occurring try to leave the area. If this is not possible, try maintaining a low profile until such time as you are able to leave the area.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mali despite the Travel Warning enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution and travel information, including the Travel Warning for Mali, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297. The Consular Section can be contacted at +223 2070 2505, or via email at consularbamako@state.gov. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Marine Guard at +223 2070 2301 or 2070 2302.
