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Country Profile for MALI |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
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Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: Bamako Major Languages: French Currency: West African CFA Franc Timezone: GMT |
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Overview
Overview
The political situation in Mali is currently fragile following the military coup carried out in March, 2012. A group of military leaders, known as the Committee for the Re-establishment of Democracy and the Restoration of the State (CNRDR), seized control of power in response to the government’s inability to quash the rebellion by Tuareg rebels in the north of the country. In April, 2012 the leaders of the coup agreed a 12-month deadline to hand power back to a civilian government; however, there is some uncertainty over whether these promises will be upheld.
Following the coup the Tuareg rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), seized the northern Azawad region and declared it independent from the rest of Mali. In the coming months heavy fighting should be expected in northern Mali as the military leaders attempt to reclaim control of Azawad, which includes the historic city of Timbuktu. Members of the Algerian Islamic group, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), are also known to be active in northern and western Mali. The group are believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of a number of foreign nationals in recent years. In November, 2011, two French nationals were kidnapped from Hombori, while in April, 2012, a Swiss woman was kidnapped from Timbuktu. Due to the ongoing insecurity in northern Mali all non-essential travel to the region should be avoided wherever possible.
Crime levels differ somewhat between the north and the south of the country. Violent crimes, such as carjacking and armed robbery, are more common in the north and west of the country, particularly in the Timbuktu, Kidal, Mopti and Gao regions. In the south visitors are more likely to be affected by petty criminals. In the capital, Bamako, visitors should be extremely vigilant around market places and areas frequented by tourists.
Alerts
Alert for Mali
Suicide bomb attacks target Malian troops - 10 May 2013:
Islamists have carried out three suicide bomb attacks in northern Mali, wounding one soldier and leaving five militants dead. The attacks took place in Menaka and Gossi, close to the town of Gao.
Two Malian soldiers killed in suicide bomb attack - 4 May 2013:
Two Malian soldiers and four others wounded have been killed in a suicide bomb attack near the northern city of Gao. The blast occured at an army checkpoint outside the village of Amakouladji.
French soldier killed by roadside bomb in north - 30 April 2013:
A French soldier has been killed and two others wounded by a roadside bomb in northern Mali. The blast occurred on a road between Boughessa and Zaouaten during operations aimed at securing the area from Islamist rebels.
Chad announces troop withdrawal - 15 April 2013:
Chad's President Idriss Deby has announced that his countries troops will withdraw from the ongoing military operations in Mali. Mr Deby, who made the announcement shortly after three Chadian soldiers died in a suicide attack in Mali, said the troops were not equipped to fight a "shadowy, guerrilla-style war".
Chadian soldiers killed in suicide bombing - 12 April 2013:
Two Chadian soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the northern city of Kidal. The incident comes as France begins a phased withdrawal of its 4,000 troops from Mali.
Deadly clashes between Mali army and rebels in Timbuktu - 1 April 2013:
The Malian army and rebel fighters have been involved in a series of clashes in the northern city of Timbuktu, leaving at least three rebels dead. The unrest began when a suicide bomber attempted to attack an army checkpoint in the city; however, he was killed before he could detonate the device.
Islamist rebels launch Gao offensive - 24 March 2013:
At least seven people have been killed in clashes between government troops and Islamist rebels in the northern town of Gao. The Movement for the Oneness of Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) rebels launched the attack on the town on Sunday, before being repelled by the army. MUJAO controlled Gao for 10 months before the French-led offensive in late January.
Suicide bomb kills Malian troop in Timbuktu - 21 March 2013:
A Malian soldier has been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in the northern city of Timbuktu. The blast occurred at a military checkpoint near the city's airport.
French hostage killed by AQIM - 20 March 2013:
A French hostage has been killed by members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), according to a spokesman for the group. In a statement they said Philippe Verdon, who was abducted in the town of Hombori in northern Mali back in 2011, was killed "in response to France's intervention in northern Mali".
Media strike after editor arrested - 12 March 2013:
Mali's media have gone on strike over the arrest of the Republican newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Boukary Daou. Mr Daou was taken away by members of Mali's intelligence service after his newspaper published an open letter which challenged the salary of the country's coup leader. Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo, who seized power last year, currently receives a salary of $8,000 a month.
French soldier killed in northern Mali - 04 March 2013:
A third French soldier has been killed in northern Mali following fierce fighting with Islamist rebels. France's defence ministry said Corporal Cedric Charenton was shot dead during operations in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains near Algeria.
Car bomb kills seven in Kidal - 27 February 2013:
At least seven people have been killed after a car bomb exploded at a checkpoint in the northern town of Kidal. The attack appeared to have targeted the Islamic Movement of Azawad group, who are fighting alongside French and Malian troops against Islamic extremists.
Rebel fighters launch attacks on Gao - 11 February 2013:
Rebel fighters in Mali have carried out a series of surprise guerrilla attacks in the northern city of Gao. Members of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) used canoes to cross the Niger River and sneak into the city before opening fire on Malian troops. The rebel fighters had been driven out of the city two weeks ago by French and Malian troops.
Suicide bomb attack reported in Gao - 08 February 2013:
A suicide bomber has attacked a military checkpoint in the northern city of Gao, wounding at least one soldier. On Wednesday four Malian soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in the city.
French troops capture Kidal - 31 January 2013:
Malian troops have captured the town of Kidal, the last rebel stronghold in northern Mali. Yesterday troops seized control of the airport with little resistance from the militants. The capture follows similar operations in Timbuktu and Gao, and is expected to be followed by a large deployment of African ground forces in the north.
Army advance on Timbuktu - 27 January 2013:
French and Malian troops have reached Timbuktu as the joint operations against rebel groups continue. On Saturday the army seized the key city of Gao, forcing the militants to retreat further north.
French jets target rebel positions in north - 20 January 2013:
French jets have carried out multiple strikes on rebel positions in northern Mali, while ground troops have advanced to the key central town of Diabaly. Islamist fighters fled the town on Friday following French air strikes.
French ground troops prepare for operations - 16 January 2013:
French troops are set to begin ground operations against the Islamist rebels in the north of the country. A convoy of around 30 armoured vehicles left the capital Bamako for the northern town of Diabaly. Additonal African troops are due to arrive on Thursday to support the offensive.
French warplanes target Gao in eastern Mali - 13 January 2013:
French warplanes have bombed targets in the town of Gao in eastern Mali. The French military began operations in the country on Friday, and are tasked at fighting back the islamist groups in the north.
Islamists clash with government troops - 08 January 2013:
Malian soldiers have clashed with Islamist militants outside of the central town of Mopti, raising fears of a renewed conflict in the country. Last month Ansar Dine, one of the main northern rebel groups, announced it was ending a ceasefire with the government.
Prime Minister Diarra forced to resign - 11 December 2012:
Mali's prime minister has resigned on state television after being arrested by soldiers at his official residency. Cheik Mobido Diarra was arrested on the orders of Capt Amadou Sanogo, the leader of a military coup in March. The UN has condemned the forced resignation and threatened to impose sanctions against the country.
French national kidnapped in south-west Mali - 21 November 2012:
A French national has been kidnapped in south-west Mali, close to the border with Mauritania. The 61-year-old man was abducted by unknown gunmen in the town of Nioro, and becomes the seventh French citizen to have been kidnapped in the country.
Islamists clash with Tuareg rebels in restive north - 17 November 2012:
Mujao Islamists have clashed with Tuareg rebels in the restive north of the country. The al-Qaeda linked MUJWA and Tuareg-led MNLA rebel group exchanged fire near Mali's border with Niger and Burkina Faso.
ECOWAS agrees to deploy troops to Mali - 11 November 2012:
ECOWAS have agreed to deploy 3,300 soldiers to Mali in order to retake the north of the country from Islamist militants. The troops will largely be provided by Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso and will be deployed after the UN Security Council approves the plan at the end of November or early December.
Security Council adopts Mali resolution - 13 October 2012:
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution which creates a road map for military intervention in Mali. Mali's government and the regional body Ecowas have requested an international forces of around 3,000 to intervene and retake the north of the country, which was captured by Islamist rebels in March.
Malian army kill 16 at Segou checkpoint - 09 September 2012:
The Malian army has shot dead 16 people after their vehicle failed to stop at a checkpoint in the central Segou region. The group, made up of Islamic preachers, appear to have been mistaken for Islamist fighters by the soldiers.
Algerian diplomat killed by Malian rebels - 03 September 2012:
An Algerian diplomat has been executed by an Islamic militants group in northern Mali. The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao) said that it killed Tahar Touati after Algeria failed to release three of its members. Mr Touati was abducted along with six other diplomats in April.
Mali forms new unity government - 21 August 2012:
A new government has been formed in Mali under the leadership of Cheick Mobido Diarra, who remains the country's prime minister. The announcement is intended to restore some stability to the country following a military coup in March.
Islamists seize Gao from Tuareg rebels - 28 June 2012:
Islamic militants have seized the northern town of Gao from Tuareg rebels , leaving at least 20 people dead. They two rebels groups took control of large parts of northern Mali in March, and for a brief period agreed to setup a joint Islamic state before splitting over the implementation of Sharia law.
Rebel groups open fire on protesters - 26 June 2012:
Malian rebels have opened fire on protesters in the northern town of Gao, killing at least two people. The unrest was caused by the killing of Idrissa Oumarou, a local government official who was shot dead on Monday.
Rebel groups clash in town of Kidal - 09 June 2012:
The two rebel groups currently occupying northern Mali have clashed following protests in the town of Kidal. The fighting between the MNLA Tuareg rebels and members of Ansar Dine is the first serious conflict between the two groups since they declared independence for the north in early April.
Rebels split over sharia law - 29 May 2012:
MNLA Tuareg rebels and the Islamist group Ansar Dine have cancelled their agreement to unite due to a dispute over sharia law. The MNLA want a moderate form of Sharia imposed in a northern separatist state, whilst the al-Qaeda linked Ansar Dine would prefer a more hard line version. The split come only days after the group announced plans to create the Islamic state of Azawad.
Tuareg rebels agree to setup Islamist state - 27 May 2012:
The Tuareg rebels group MNLA and the Islamist group Ansar Dine have agreed to unite and form the Islamic state of Azawad. The groups took advantage of a military coup in the country and seized control over large parts of northern Mali.
Interim president beaten unconscious - 22 May 2012:
Mali's interim president, Dioncounda Traore, has been attacked and beaten unconscious by protesters at the presidential compound. The demonstrators were angry that Mr Traore's mandate has been extended by another year after he agreed a deal with coup lead Capt Amadou Sanogo.
Junta hold Bamako following clashes - 01 May 2012:
The military junta remains in control of the capital Bamako following an attempted counter-coup. Heavy gun fire was reported across several sites in the city as militants attempted seize control from the the ruling military leaders.
Swiss woman kidnapped in northern Mali - 16 April 2012:
A Swiss woman has been kidnapped from northern city of Timbuktu by a group of armed gunmen. No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack, however both AQIM militants and Tuareg rebels are currently believed to be active in northern Mali.
Tuareg rebels seize Timbuktu - 01 April 2012:
Tuareg rebels claim to have seized control over the ancient city of Timbuktu following a raid on the region. The leader of the recent army coup said that troops had been dispatched to obtain a ceasefire with the rebels.
Rebel troops stage coup in Mali - 22 March 2012:
Renegade soldiers have appeared on state television to announce that they have seized control of the country. The rebel troops carried out a mutiny on Wednesday before attacking the presidential palace in Bamako.
Military base in northern Mali captured by Tuareg rebels - 11 March 2012:
A military base in northern Mali has been captured by a group of Tuareg rebel fighters. The base, located near the town of Tessalit, was abandoned by the Malian army in "a strategic retreat", according to a Lieutenant.
Tuareg rebels capture northern town of Niafunke - 02 February 2012:
Tuareg rebels have captured the remote northern town of Niafunke, the sixth such attack to be carried in recent weeks. The National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (NMLA) have been active since October last year and are seeking self-determination for the north of Mali.
Army clashes with Tuareg rebels in Menaka - 18 January 2012:
The Malian army has clashed with Tuareg rebels in the northern town of Menaka in the Gao region of Mali. Several militants and one soldier are reported to have been killed in the fighting.
French citizens kidnapped in Hombori - 24 November 2011:
Two French citizens have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen from a hotel in the central town of Hombori. Islamic militants based in neighbouring Algeria have previously carried out similar attacks in the north of the country.
Al-Qaeda base attacked in joint military operation - 26 June 2011:
Security forces from Mali and Mauritania have carried out a joint operation against an al-Qaeda base, killing at least 17 militants. Two soldiers are also reported to have been killed in the operation, which took place in the Wagadou Forest in western Mali.
Data
Mali Data Sheet
Population: 14.5 million
Major Religion/s: : Islam
International dialling code: +223
International dialling prefix: 00
Emergency services: Police 17, Medical 15, Fire 18
Drives: Right
Voltage: 220V
Climate: Varies from sub-tropical in the south to arid in the north
Other Major Cities: Segou, Sikasso, Mopti
Borders: Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Giunea, Senegal, Mauritania
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Journalists Under Attack
Journalists Under Attack
- 11 Mar 2013 In Mali, a journalist stabbed for his critical reporting
- 11 Feb 2013 French journalists detained, roughed up in Bamako
- 17 Jul 2012 Mali media go on strike, protest attacks on journalists
- 13 Jul 2012 Malian journalist 'beaten to a pulp'
- 13 Apr 2012 Concern for journalists, serious setback for media freedom
- 13 Apr 2012 Journalist claims assault by Tuaregs
Media Safety
Media Safety
- 11 Mar 2013 In Mali, a journalist stabbed for his critical reporting
Authorities in Mali must investigate an attack on a critical radio journalist that came ... - 11 Feb 2013 French journalists detained, roughed up in Bamako
Reporters Without Borders condemns the detention of several foreign journalists for several hours on ... - 17 Jul 2012 Mali media go on strike, protest attacks on journalists
Malian journalists went on strike for a day of "dead press" on Tuesday, and ... - 13 Jul 2012 Malian journalist 'beaten to a pulp'
The director of a Malian private newspaper was seized at his office on Thursday ... - 13 Apr 2012 Concern for journalists, serious setback for media freedom
By Reporters Without Borders PARIS, France, April 12, 2012/African Press Organization (APO) -- With parliamentary ... - 13 Apr 2012 Journalist claims assault by Tuaregs
Bamako - A Malian journalist working in the country's Islamist- and rebel-held north was ...