Mali: Intercommunal clashes leave 40 dead in Mopti region February 17

Event

Intercommunal clashes left at least 40 people dead in Mopti region on Sunday, February 17. According to a report from a local official on Tuesday, February 19, armed men attacked Libé, a Fulani-majority village in Bankass Cercle, killing civilians and burning down over 60 houses. Similar clashes between rival ethnic groups are possible in Mopti region over the near term.

Context

Clashes regularly break out between members of hunter, farmer, and herder communities over land disputes in central Mali. Rates of violence have increased over the past year.

Advice

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 (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.