The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this message to alert U.S. citizens to demonstrations scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in the neighborhood of Centre Commerciale and Cité administrative, Bamako. The U.S. embassy encourages you to plan accordingly and avoid the area after 7:30 a.m. For those crossing the river, we recommend taking the new bridge. Based on past events, the possibility exists for this demonstration to become violent.
People may begin gathering at 8:00 a.m. at the headquarters of the Federation of Malian Workers’ Union (Confédération Syndicale des Travailleurs du Mali – CSTM), located at Patrick Lumumba Square near the north entrance to the old bridge, and proceed towards the Independence Monument, and then the Prime Minister’s office (in the Cité administrative). Participants will include members of the National Police Union, spouses of arrested military officers, and representatives of other trade unions, as well as supporters of the MP 22 (Mouvement Populaire), a coalition of political and civic actors.
Malian national police and Gendarmes are expected to provide security at this event.
U.S. citizens should remember that even demonstrations and gatherings intended to be peaceful can, without advanced warning, become confrontational.The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid crowds, political gatherings, and street demonstrations, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstration.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali reminds you to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities.
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 am to 8:00 pm 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.
