Mali: Gunmen kill dozens in attacks on villages in Mopti region on July 1

Event

Unidentified gunmen attacked several villages located in Mali's Mopti region on Wednesday, July 1, killing at least 27 people. The attacks took place in an area around 30 km (19 miles) from the border with Burkina Faso, with the Dogon farming villages of Gouari, Djindo, and Fangadougou being targeted. Officials in the area believe the attacks to have been carried out by militants. However, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the violence.

Similar attacks are likely to occur in the region in the near term.

Context

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.

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.