Mali: Gunmen attack two villages in Mopti region June 12

Event

Unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked Ogoboro and Nomopere Bomba villages in Bankass cercle (Mopti region) on Wednesday, June 12. According to local reports, the villages are inhabited by the Dogon ethnic community. Officials indicated there were emerging reports of injuries but did not immediately confirm the number of casualties. 

Further violence and retaliatory attacks are possible in the area over the coming days and weeks.

Context

Gunmen wearing traditional Dogon hunters' clothing attacked two villages in the Bankass cercle (Mopti region) on March 23, killing at least 132 people from the Fulani ethnic community. On June 9-10, unidentified gunmen also attacked the Dogon ethnic community in Sobane-Kou (Mopti region). Initial reports claimed 95 people were killed in the attack, although officials later downgraded the total number of deaths to 35 people. 

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Since 2013, some 170 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali.

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.