Emblem of the United States Department of State

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members in Mali due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks in areas frequented by westerners in the west African nation.  The State Department did not list a specific attack but said terrorist and armed groups continue plotting kidnappings and attacks in Mali. 

“They may attack with little or no warning, targeting night clubs, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, international diplomatic missions, and other locations frequented by westerners.  Attacks may target Malian government offices, infrastructure, or locations frequented by westerners”

-the State Department said in an advisory

The U.S. Embassy “continues” to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Mali, according to the advisory.    In addition,  the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout much of Mali as U.S. government employee travel outside Bamako is restricted due to security concerns.  Mali’s ruling junta seized power in an August 2020 coup. Led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, Mali’s military seized power amid nonviolent mass protests demanding the resignation of then President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.  Local and international efforts to ensure a return to civilian rule have thus far failed.  

-On 22 July 2022, there was an attack on the Kati military base, 15km from Bamako city centre, killing one soldier. Seven attackers were also killed.

-On 16 July 2022, terrorists attacked a security post at Zantiguila, approximately 70km from Bamako on the road to Segou, killing six.