Mali: Armed men attack village in Mopti region October 15

Event

Unidentified armed men riding motorcycles attacked the village of Telly, located near Tenenkou (Mopti region), killing at least 11 people on Monday, October 15. Others are reportedly missing. The attack is suspected to have targeted members of the Fulani community. Similar attacks in the area are likely in the short to medium term.

Context

Attacks and assassinations take place on a regular basis in northern and central Mali, including the Mopti region. While the motivations behind this specific attack have not yet been confirmed, attacks in central Mali usually stem from ethnic grievances among competing tribes or are acts of retaliation by terrorist groups against civilians.

Several armed groups operate in certain areas of central Mali as well as in the northern region. Most groups are affiliated with Al-Qa'ida - under the Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) umbrella - or the Islamic State. In addition to these are pro-government militias. Tensions are further exacerbated by strong underlying ethnic divides.

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.