Mali: Eid al-Adha celebrations beginning September 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning on Friday, September 1. During the festivities, which last up to four days, many government offices, foreign embassies, and local businesses close. Heavy road traffic is likely as large numbers of people return home during the holiday. Other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) are also to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers. While celebrations typically remain peaceful, the terrorist threat will remain elevated during this period as groups, including Al-Qa’ida and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), may step up attacks by targeting public places.

Context

Eid al-Adha is one of the most widely observed holidays in Islam and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, worshipers usually slaughter a sheep or goat to share the meat with their family and neighbors.

Muslims make up 95 percent of the national population in Mali.

During this period, there is a significant increase in the terrorist threat in predominately Muslim countries. Since January 2012, Mali has been confronted with attacks from numerous armed groups, including Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), in the northern and central regions of the country. The areas remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops who are stationed throughout the Sahel. The United Nations also maintains one of its largest peacekeeping missions in the world in the country (MINUSMA).

Advice

Individuals in Mali are advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or gathering.

On a more general note, the security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevailing in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.