The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of a planned demonstration in Bamako on the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2014. Participants are expected to gather around 0900 near the Independence Monument. The event has been organized by the National Coordination of Citizen Watch (Coordination Nationale de Veille Citoyenne – CNVC) which is a group that accuses government officials of embezzlement.
The Embassy has instructed its staff to avoid the area on Saturday morning, and private U.S. citizens are advised to do the same.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. If you find yourself near a demonstration, leave the area. If it is not safe to do so, maintain a low profile until you are able to relocate.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mali despite the existing Travel Warning for Mali 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 the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and the Facebook. 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.
