Mali: Additional security forces deployed in Gao following communal clashes on August 21

Event

Unrest following the killing of two people in Gao on Thursday, August 20, resulted in the deployment of additional security personnel to the city on Friday, August 21. On Thursday, residents gathered around the Sarguila market, reportedly setting a transport station alight and looting stores belonging to ethnic-Arab traders, and blocked roads in the area with burning tires. The unrest reportedly broke out following the killing of two people by unidentified gunmen in the Aljanbandja area of Gao on Thursday evening. Both Malian Armed Forces personnel and members of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MISUSMA) were reportedly deployed to the city following the incident.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the city in the coming days, and further clashes are possible in the near term. 

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.