A brief update from kidal:

The situation is calm, and in all appearances, nothing has changed -- except that all the foreign nationals are in a panic. The North is essentially evacuated of all foreign aid workers for the moment. The French have pulled their staff, the Belgians seem likely too as well. The American Peace Corps are long gone.

What is the threat of the Salafist? It's difficult to say. Generally speaking, you are safe in town. But it's probably advised to stay out of the "brousse" for the moment, at least in the area of Tessalit, the fronteir of Algeria, and definitely around Menaka.

If you do go in brousse wear long sleeves and a turban. Travel in groups. This is good advice at any times due to the petty banditry (and let's be frank, the Salafists who are kidnapping and stealing cars are nothing but a pathetic desert mafia) that's par the course.

Although there is a general "the sky is falling" panic, again, there's nothing to indicate anything is different than it has been for the past 10 years. Gao is fine. Timbouctou is safe. Essakane is going to happen, and, like always, they'll be more security than toubabs.

And lastly, remember in the North; regardless of the Salafists intentions, they're not at home here. They're carrying out banditry in a region that is hostile to them, in an area filled with former Tuareg rebels armed to the teeth. If they are able to carry out any activity, it's not due to their strength, but to the geography of the desert.

Christopher
sahelsounds