In light of escalating violence in northern Mali, the U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this security message to remind U.S. citizens of the current Travel Warning for Mali that strongly warns against all travel to the northern parts of the country and along the border with Mauritania. It also warns U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Mali, given continuing aspirations of terrorists to conduct attacks and continuing threats of attacks on and kidnappings of westerners and others. Clashes between the Malian Army and armed elements have been reported in the city of Kidal in the last several days, resulting in multiple deaths and the taking of hostages.
The U.S. Embassy also reiterates its messages of the past week warning US citizens of the continuing risk of demonstrations, that may become violent, in Bamako and throughout Mali during this tense period. While the US Embassy has no specific information regarding any specific protests planned, the violent demonstration on Saturday at Independence Square in Bamako reinforces the need to be particularly vigilant in the coming days. The U.S. Embassy recommends avoiding the usual locations for possible protest activity, including the Independence Monument, Place Patrice Lumumba, Place de la Liberté, Ministry of Defense, and the National Assembly. 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.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali reminds U.S. citizens 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 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.
