Mali: Teachers threaten to strike January 21

Event

Multiple teachers’ unions are threatening to launch a 14-day strike starting on Tuesday, January 21, if the government fails to meet their demands. Union leaders issued the strike notice on Wednesday, January 15, calling for the government to implement salary increases that were included in a previously signed agreement. In response to the notice, officials have threatened to apply a law that allows the government to withhold the salaries of striking public workers.

Associated protests by teachers and students are possible in the days leading up to and during the work stoppage. On Monday, January 13, hundreds of students demonstrated in the capital Bamako to demand the resumption of classes after teachers started a five-day strike on Monday, January 6. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all associated protests.

Advice

Individuals in Mali, particularly in Bamako, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to 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.