Mali: Protests in Bamako and other urban centers January 26

Event

The Tabital Pulaaku association promoting the ethnic Fulani culture has called for protests to take place in the capital Bamako and other urban centers on Saturday, January 26, to denounce recurrent attacks targeting the Fulanis. A heightened security presence and localised transportation disruptions are likely around any demonstration site.

Context

Clashes regularly break out between members of the pastoralist Fulani and agricultural Dogon/Bambara ethnic groups over land disputes in Mali. Rates of violence have increased over the past years as ever-scarcer resources make each group more desperate, reinforcing long-standing suspicion and hostility on all sides. Illicit weapons trading in Central Mali and the presence of armed groups linked to the Fulani jihadist preacher Amadou Koufa - with whom Fulani are often accused of collusion by their opponents - make these clashes particularly deadly. In recent months, Fulani groups have accused Bambara/Dogon militias of illegally targeting Fulani civilians under the guise of anti-terror operations.

Advice

Individuals present in Bamako and other urban centers are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all gatherings as violence may falre up without warning.

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent 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.