Sub Saharan Africa

There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in the region and we believe that further kidnap attacks are likely. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) operates directly or through criminal gangs who carry out kidnappings on their behalf or pass on their kidnap victims for monetary gain.  Recent kidnaps in or close to Mali include:

 

There have been reports of kidnap threats against westerners attending festivals in Mali.  You should be aware that the "Festival in the Desert" and "Sahara Nights" festival which take place in Essakane (65 kilometres north of Timbuktu) and Essouk (500 kilometres north east of Timbuktu) are in areas of Mali to which we currently advise against all travel.

 

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers.  The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

For further information see the Terrorism Abroad page of the FCO website.

 
Mali Country Profile

Malian security forces continue to be active against rebel groups operating in northern and north eastern Mali. Outbreaks of fighting between the army and the rebel groups and attacks by rebel groups usually, though not exclusively, occur in the region of Kidal and have resulted in a number of people being killed or kidnapped.

 

In January 2009 a group of unidentified men launched grenades at the residences of well-known Touareg leaders in the city of Gao, resulting in at least two deaths with others seriously injured.

 

In December 2008, a rebel group attacked a military base in Nampala, south-west of Timbuktu towards the border with Mauritania, resulting in the death of more than fifteen people, including civilians.  Since then there have been further attacks in the northern part of the Segou region of western Mali, along the Mauritanian border.

 

Large political rallies and demonstrations are not common in Mali, we recommend that you avoid them.

There have been incidents of armed banditry, car-jacking, and kidnap in northern Mali.

 

Bandits and smugglers are particularly active across the Mali-Algeria, Mali-Guinea and Mali-Niger borders and constitute a real risk to travellers, especially after dark. The presence of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) in the northern region also presents potential risks for travellers.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

We advise against all travel to the provinces of Mali north of the River Niger from Mopti. This includes the provinces of Kidal, Gao, Koulikoro (north of Mourdiah), Segou (north of Niono), Tombouctou (including the city of Tombouctou (Timbuktu)), areas bordering Mauritania east of Nioro in the Kayes province, and the north of Moptio province (north of the town of Douentza).

Landmines are being used by groups operating in North and North East Mali.

If you plan to travel to any of the areas of Mali where we advise against travel, you are advised to fly. If travelling overland, it is essential to plan your journey in advance and inform local authorities (police and/or army) before leaving Bamako. A reputable local driver/guide is also recommended. In all cases, travelling after dark should be avoided.

 

Road conditions off the main roads are often poor, especially in the rainy season (June-September). Driving standards can be poor. You should take particular care and attention when driving in Bamako.

In June 2008, 12 people were killed in one week in accidents on the Bamako-Dakar road (via Kayes).  Between 23 September and 8 October 2006, approximately 50 people died in road accidents on RN7 (Bamako-Segou-Mopti road).

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.