Mali - safety in Bamako/South West?
 

Hello everyone, I've been asked to travel to Mali soon for just under a week (Bamako/South West near Guinea/Senegal borders) and I've got to admit, I'm nervous - despite travelling extensively through Africa and learning to take FCO advice with a pinch of salt! Looks like Bamako/South West is less "risky" than the rest of the country, but would really appreciate any insights from anyone who has been there within the last say 6 months or who knows anyone there, who could give me a clearer picture as to the risk level! thanks so much :-)

I don't know how soon you will be there. But I will be riding in this area in about two weeks. I'll give you an update on how things are going. And if i don't, well you will have one from me by the news (just kidding).

Patrick

There was never any problems in the sothwest of Mali. No kidnappings, and very little else to worry about.
The worst danger is traffic accidents, which goes for much of Africa.
Dont drive in the dark and you'll be good.
And do go and see Caspar at the Cool Camp in Manantali, a fine place to hang.

You should be fine, crossed into Mali from Senegal late December at Moussala and out to Cote d'Ivoire via Bamako no problems at all! Been there a few times over the last 18months or so, but stayed in Bamako mainly. There have been attacks over the last few months but not in this corner of southern Mali

Enjoy it!

As Greer says its all fine in the south west corner and Bamako is a safe town. I rode through there in December. Stay in the Sleeping Camel Bamako. its got great security, lots of overlanders stay there and many European security secondees so yu get lots of advise. just don't go to northern Mali where all the trouble is

For clarity, there's been kidnappings as far west as Diéma (but that was years ago), there's been several armed attacks in Bamako over the last three years, and there was a kidnapping of a Colombian nun in Koutiala just north of Sikasso the other week.

Attacks inspired by AQ or IS could happen anywhere in West Africa at this time.

If I was staying in one place for an extended period, I would take a look at security.
Passing through as a tourist, no worries.

Totally agree with Priffe & believe I answered you on another forum too ... where I said that attacks could happen in London, Paris, NYC or anywhere else in the western world too - sadly!

TigerTiger,

I'm in Bamako now.

I was too far into Guinea and crossed into Mali at the Kourémalé border (very easy and friendly border). Nice road from Kankan (Guinea) to Bamako.

Patrick

Police post near Segou attacked last night + things hotting up on the BF border:
http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operation...-niger-elargie

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archiv...cross-mali.php

Cant find anything from Segou? A couple weeks ago they struck against a customs post south east of Bamako. They would be very brash to attempt a kidnapping in the south, but obviously it could happen. Good reason not to linger around unecessarily.
The French Operation Barkhane is doing a sweep along the northern Burkina border, but that is hundreds of miles from any tourist at this time.