The Embassy has received reports of two separate violent incidents in Bamako involving United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) personnel and property.
During the evening of May 25, two UN soldiers who were travelling from Bamako airport towards the south of the city were shot. One person was killed and another severely wounded.
The second incident occurred in the early morning hours of May 19, when a gunman attempted to set fire to a MINUSMA vehicle parked in front of the Mission’s military personnel residence in the Bamako neighborhood of Faso Kanu. Before escaping, the attacker shot and injured the guard; shot at the house and MINSUMA cars, causing property damage; and left behind two unexploded grenades.
Although the Embassy is not aware of any specific threat information at this time, in light of these and other security incidents, including those in and around Bamako, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, vary routes, and take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety, as should be 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 and Facebook 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.
