Mali: Air and land borders closed and national curfew imposed August 19 /update 3

Event

The military leaders behind the recent coup, who identify themselves as the National Committee for the Salvation of People (CNSP), have announced that as of Wednesday, August 19, the country's air and land borders have been closed indefinitely and a nationwide nightly curfew will be in place between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time).

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation, as well as the dissolution of the National Assembly, around midnight on Tuesday, August 18, during a televised appearance. The announcement came following the detainment of the President and other government officials on Tuesday afternoon by mutinying soldiers in an apparent military coup. Unconfirmed reports state that the officials are currently held at the Kati military base outside of Bamako. There have so far been no immediate reports of any casualties during the unrest.

Heightened security measures and further unrest are likely in Bamako and the surrounding areas in the near term.

Advice

Those in Bamako are advised to avoid unnecessary movement within the city in the immediate term and should shelter in place where possible. Monitor developments and heed any directives issued by local authorities.