01 Jul 2019 | 04:51 PM UTC
Mali: Suspected intercommunal clashes leave 23 dead in Mopti region June 30
Suspected intercommunal clashes leave 23 people dead and 300 others missing in Mopti region June 30; similar attacks and clashes expected over the near term
Event
Unidentified assailants killed 23 people in Ouenkoro (Mopti region), a village of ethnic Fulani herders, on Sunday, June 30. The attack on Ouenkoro, blamed on Dogon hunters by the village's mayor, left at least 300 others missing and comes amid a recent series of intercommunal clashes between Fulani herders and Dogon community members. Before attacking Ouenkoro, the assailants also reportedly raided two other Fulani villages: Saran and Bidi.
Similar intercommunal clashes are to be expected in Mopti region over the near term.
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.