Mali: Government calls for nationwide protests Jan. 14

Event

Mali's military-led government has called for nationwide demonstrations to take place on Jan. 14. The purpose of the action is to protest the Jan. 9 decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) to maintain existing punitive measures against the nation's transitional government and to impose additional economic sanctions. The ECOWAS and UEMOA move came in reaction to Bamako's plan to delay general elections until December 2025; the polls were originally slated for February 2022. Thousands of people may attend. Authorities have not announced exact times or locations of specific gatherings.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely across Bamako and other major urban areas in Mali Jan. 14. Clashes between members of rival political camps cannot be ruled out if opposition activists attempt to stage counter-protests on the same day.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations and large concentrations of police as a precaution. Plan accordingly for ground travel disruptions. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Depart the area at the first sign of a confrontation.