SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENSU.S. Embassy Bamako,

U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali

September 20, 2012

Potential Demonstrations and Terrorist Attacks

This message is to inform U.S. citizens of the risk of demonstrations and civil unrest this Friday and over the weekend in Bamako.  AQIM is active in northern Mali and continues to issue general threats against Western targets in West Africa.  Furthermore, recent publications of provocative cartoons in France could prompt demonstrations in Bamako.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. 

Given the long-standing expressions by AQIM-linked and international terrorists against Western interests, the Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Bamako to maintain good personal security practices, including always locking their homes and cars, varying routes and times of travel, and maintaining a low profile by not drawing attention to themselves.  When going out, they should avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners, and refrain from sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street when in restaurants or cafes. U.S. citizens should be particularly alert when frequenting locales associated with Westerners, including hotels, cultural centers, social and recreation clubs, and restaurants. U.S. citizens should avoid highly publicized events/venues with no visible security presence.

You can obtain Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako.

You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning for Mali, Travel Alerts,

and Country Specific Information.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook or you can download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips.  If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, 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).

 All U.S. citizens in the Mali are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment

Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and

security within Mali and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of

emergency.

 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.  For after-hours emergencies, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Marine Guard at +223 2070 2301 or 2070 2302.