Travel Information
Security and Travel Update
U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali
Rebel Attacks in Segou and Koulikoro Region
December 29, 2008
This Warden Message is being issued to provide an update regarding recent security related events in Mali, to reinforce long-standing travel concerns, and to advise U.S. citizens of the need for heightened security awareness during the holiday season. Please note that the Embassy continues to urge U.S. citizens to avoid travel to northern Mali. In addition, the Embassy recommends U.S. citizens avoid travel in border areas along Mali’s frontiers with Algeria, Niger, and Mauritania.
On December 20, 2008, Tuareg rebels attacked the Malian military base in Nampala, the northernmost town in the central region of Segou. Subsequent security incidents involving Tuareg rebels occurred near the towns of Nara, Goumbou, and Mouridah in the region of Koulikoro on December 24-27. Given the rapidly evolving security situation, U.S. citizens traveling to areas along Mali’s northwestern frontier with Mauritania should defer their travel. If, despite the Embassy’s warnings, you intend to travel to one of the aforementioned areas, please exercise vigilance and avoid large gatherings.
Potential travelers should be aware that all official visits by U.S. government employees to Timbuktu, the region of Kidal, and areas to the north and east of the town of Gao, must be approved by the Embassy’s Chief of Mission due to security concerns. This includes the town of Timbuktu and the village of Essakane, site of the January 2009 Festival in the Desert.
The Embassy would also like to remind American citizens that crime during the year-end holidays often increases significantly. While traditionally Bamako does not experience more than petty offenses such as pick-pocketing, in late December 2008 two Embassy employees were the targets of an unsuccessful armed car-jacking attempt in the early morning hours in the ACI 2000 neighborhood. American citizens should practice prudent personal security measures, drive with vehicle doors and windows locked, and maintain constant awareness of their surroundings.
All travelers to Mali are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Travelers may also register in person at the Embassy, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297 in Bamako. The Embassy telephone number is 2070-2300. For after-hours emergencies, please call the Duty Officer ( 6675-2860) or Post One: 2070-2301/20702302. The consular section email address is consularbamako@state.gov.
For additional information on travel to Mali, see the Department’s Travel Alert and the Country Specific Information for Mali, available via the Department's website http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers elsewhere, by calling the toll line 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).