Mali: Protest march planned in Bamako April 5

Event

Imam Mahmoud Dicko, the president of the High Islamic Council (HCIM), is calling for a protest march in the capital of Bamako on Friday, April 5. In a video released on social media on Monday, April 1, Dicko invited all Malians to participate in the march after Friday prayers to denounce the recent attack on the Fulani community in Mopti region. Supporters are being asked to gather at Monument de l'indépendance. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all protest sites.

Context

Over 160 members of the Fulani ethnic community were killed in Ogossagou (Bankass circle, Mopti region) on March 23. Dicko is calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéïta, claiming that the government has failed to address security concerns for all people throughout Mali.

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. Since 2013, some 170 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali.

Advice

Individuals in Bamako are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

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.