U.S. Citizen Services

Warden Message

Bamako, Mali - April 04, 2008

The U.S. Embassy has learned of the release on March 27 of a short film funded by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders.  The reaction to the film has been peaceful so far, but has sparked a planned demonstration to be held on Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 pm in Bamako.  The demonstration is to begin at La Bourse du Travail on Boulevard de la Nation and protestors will march to the Peace monument.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are, therefore, urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Information regarding demonstrations in Mali can be found on the U.S. Embassy Bamako website at http://mali.usembassy.gov/.

Americans living or traveling in Mali are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Mali.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Mali-specific information, travel warnings, and other travel alerts can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297, Bamako, Mali.  The Embassy’s telephone number is 270-2300.