Mali

14 January 2013

Mali

Still current at: 14 January 2013 
Updated: 11 January 2013

 Avoid all travel to whole country

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Travel Summary (The Government of Mali has declared a State of Emergency). We advise against all travel to Mali. Unless you have pressing reasons to remain, you should leave Mali now by commercial means. 
 

TRAVEL SUMMARY

• We advise against all travel to Mali. The Government of Mali declared a State of Emergency across the whole country with effect from midnight on 12 January. This enables the government to take extraordinary measures to deal with the crisis in the North and elsewhere. No curfew has been established, but changes could be announced at any time. Government restrictions on travel north of Segou towards Mopti are in force. We advise that local media is monitored for reports of any new measures. The UK Embassy will monitor its application and advise of any potential impact on U.K. nationals in Mali. 

• In view of the deteriorating security situation in Mali, we recommend that, unless you have pressing reasons to remain, you should now leave by commercial means.
• Although the situation in Bamako is generally calm , the situation in Mali is still volatile. We continue to advise British nationals who remain in the city to maintain a high level of vigilance, keep a low profile and stay alert to local political developments. You should avoid areas of sensitivity (e.g. government Ministries and military installations). You should avoid any large gatherings of people. If a demonstration or disturbance is taking place, you should leave the area as quickly and as safely as possible. We also recommend that you maintain several days’ stock of food and water. You can closely monitor daily developments in English through the BBC World Service (88.9 FM in Bamako).
• If you decide to visit or remain in Mali you should review your own security arrangements constantly and ensure that you are prepared to leave at short notice if necessary. This should include having up to date travel documentation, including if possible visas for neighbouring countries. You should also ensure that you have adequate supplies of food and water in your accommodation should it become necessary to stay at home for some days.
• On 7 January 2013 it was reported that a combination of Islamist groups had moved south from Timbuktu and Gao towards Mopti, the nearest major government-held town to the occupied north. You should not travel in this area under any circumstances.
• On 10 December 2012, the Malian Prime Minister, Cheick Mobidu Diarra was arrested and forced to resign along with his cabinet. A new Prime Minister was appointed the same day and a new government was appointed on 15 December. 
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Mali. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance.
• There is a heightened threat of kidnapping in Mali. A number of Westerners have been kidnapped by terrorists in Mali and the Sahel region. These attacks have on occasion resulted in the murder of the hostage. Since the coup in March 2012, and in the ongoing political unrest, we judge there is a heightened threat of kidnap in Mali. Further attacks are highly likely.