U.S. citizens should be aware that violent confrontations involving public transportation workers in the market area of Bamako commonly referred to as Raïda occurred on June 22-23. Initial reports indicate that these confrontations have triggered looting of vehicles and possibly gunfire, but the precise motive for the violence is unclear. Malian security forces have responded to these disturbances.
The U.S. Embassy has reminded Embassy personnel to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility for their own safety and security, and to use their knowledge of the local environment to exercise common sense on where and when to go out, particularly at night (to avoid neighborhoods lacking security, to be aware of suspicious activity, and to maintain general security awareness of your surroundings). Private U.S. citizens should follow similar precautions. Remember, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests or demonstrations.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Country Specific Information for Mali.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Mali, 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.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
