Mali: Attacks in Mopti and Ségou regions leave at least six dead February 17

Event

Unidentified gunmen conducted two attacks in Mopti and Ségou regions on Monday, February 17. According to local reports, around 40 men on motorcycles assaulted a village in Sangha (Mopti region), killing at least five people. The attackers reportedly set grain stores on fire and stole food and cattle. At least 20 residents were missing following the incident as of Tuesday, February 18.

Earlier in the day, a toll booth near Bla (Ségou region) was also attacked by gunmen on motorcycles. Local officials said one gendarme was killed and another wounded in the shooting. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack as of February 18; however, members of the Fulani community have been accused of conducting the assault in Sangha.

Similar incidents are possible in central Mali over the near term.

Context

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.

Due to prevailing terrorism and kidnapping threats 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.