Key Points:
- At 3:00 PM today (November 19), two civic groups, A.RE.MA (Alliance Pour La Refondation du Mali) and MRC (Mouvement Pour La Resistance Citoyenne), plan to hold a large demonstration at the Centre International de Conférences de Bamako (CICB), demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Choguel Maïga and expressing support for the Malian Armed Forces.
- Similar demonstrations in the past have led to incidents such as property damage at nearby gas stations, with the potential for escalation into riots.
- Avoid the demonstration site (CICB) and nearby areas, including Independence Monument Square (Place de l’Indépendance), and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Precautions:
- Avoid areas near demonstrations, gatherings, or protests.
- If you encounter a demonstration, leave the area immediately.
- Stay alert in crowded areas.
- Monitor news and updates for related information.
- Keep vehicle doors locked during traffic jams, and avoid lowering your car windows in response to passersby.
Additional Notes:
- The threat of terrorism remains high throughout Mali, including Bamako. There is a risk of terrorist activity coinciding with demonstrations.
- Avoid locations often targeted by terrorists, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, resorts, supermarkets, government-related facilities (military, police, and security offices), and religious facilities (including mosques).
The Japanese government has issued the following travel advisories for Mali:
- Bamako: Level 3 (“Avoid all travel.”)
- Other regions: Level 4 (“Evacuate immediately and avoid all travel.”)
Given the ongoing uncertainty, Japanese nationals in Mali are strongly encouraged to consider leaving the country promptly via available flights.
Comment