U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Planned Transportation Strike
April 13, 2015
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of a scheduled strike affecting the road transport sector. Media outlets report that the 48-hour strike begins today and could cover the entire country. U.S. citizens should be aware of the possible effects of the strike on the security environment. For example, drivers’ unions may clash with anyone breaking the strike, including stone-throwing or other violence against persons or transport vehicles seen as unsupportive. The Embassy calls attention to the incident in the Grand Marché area on April 3 in which rival unions used homemade firearms during a conflict over business. Additionally, security forces may deploy along main routes, the number of pedestrians may increase, and traffic patterns may change. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to avoid large crowds and rallies, and to continue to reduce exposure to places frequented by westerners.
U.S. citizens should exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, vary routes, and take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety. This should be the standard operating procedure at all times. Ensure your personal communications devices are usable in a crisis, and fully employ any safety measures (locks, grills, alarms, etc.) at your residence.
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) at travel.state.gov. 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.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mali. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter andFacebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
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 acsbamako@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.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
