Mali: Colonel Assimi Goita to be inaugurated as transitional president in Bamako June 7

Event

The inauguration of transitional president Colonel Assimi Goita will take place in Bamako June 7. The ceremony will occur at the International Conference Center 10:00, and road closures are likely in the vicinity of this facility ahead of and during the inauguration. Goita dismissed the civilian president and prime minister of the transitional administration on May 24 to seize power again after the August 2020 coup d'etat that toppled then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's government.

Security personnel are likely to set up roadblocks and identity checks around sensitive sites and hotels in Bamako. Authorities could also increase security measures near government buildings and foreign embassies. Traffic disruptions are likely in areas where heightened security measures are enforced, including on roads to and from Bamako. Security personnel are also likely to close roads temporarily to prioritize official motorcade movements.

Context

Mali's political environment remains tense following the May 24 arrests and forced resignations of the transitional president, prime minister, and defense minister by elements of the armed forces. Malian civil society groups have protested the failure to return to full civilian rule since the August 2020 coup d'etat.

Advice

If operating in Bamako, exercise increased vigilance on June 7. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. Monitor trusted local news sources for developments. Heed all instructions from security personnel and allow additional travel time near gatherings.