U.S. Citizen Services

This Warden Message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens in Mali that on May 6, 2008, bandits of unknown origin attacked a military base in Diabali, approximately 175 km (110 miles) north of Segou.  The bandits fled the scene and reportedly headed north towards the Mauritanian border.  The Embassy notes that such activity near the Malian/Mauritanian border area is unusual, but it is too early to predict whether concern for travel in this area will remain problematic or prove an unrepeated aberration. As a result of this event and the possible presence of this group of armed bandits in the area, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako advises against travel to areas outside of urban population centers north of Segou at this time.

In addition, sporadic skirmishes have been reported in the Kidal region during the last week.  The Embassy again renews its caution to avoid travel in northern Mali, particularly in the Kidal region and areas north of Timbuktu.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to northern Mali despite this caution should review the Country Specific Information sheet for Mali, dated February 12, 2008 and focus particularly on security and logistical considerations regarding travel to the northern regions of Mali.  American citizens should also notify the consular section of their plans and may do so by e-mail at consularbamako@state.gov.

American citizens may inquire about the latest security information with the embassy or consult the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. 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).  Information specific to Mali is located at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_962.html

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.  The after-hours telephone number for the duty officer for emergency situations is (223) 675-2860.