Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Robbery north of Kayes, Mali

Well what do you know, just when I suggested the entrance to Mali from Selibaby or Kiffa to Kayes to be the best and safest,
13 vehicles in a convoy mainly carrying French tourists were attacked between Aourou and Kayes by heavily armed men. Four women were kidnapped and a large amount of money stolen from the passengers (65-100 milllion CFA)
still not well reported, supposed to have happened October 25

Attaque sur la route Kayes-Aourou : Quatre femmes enlevées et plus de 65 millions emportés
Kayes Info - Urgence : Attaque sur la route Kayes-Aourou : Plus de 100 millions emportés !
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Isn't it a wee bit strange how this, if it did happen, only is reported locally? If a convoy of French tourists really were 'attacked by heavily armed men', and four of the best-looking women kidnapped, western and esp French media would be all over it, not?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Nov 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 53
Can any one corroborate this?

We are expecting to travel through somewhere along the mauri -Mali border in the next 2 weeks on our way to Burkina Faso and Benin. Original plan was to come from nema down to segou. Is this whole area just a really bad idea right now? I will be traveling with my fiancée on what was supposed to be an adventurous but enjoyable trip. If we are scared of everyone we meet and what lurks around every corner it will not be good.

Any thoughts?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Nov 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
I must say my interpretation after reading the links was that perhaps they were Malian women working in France going home to Kayes for a holiday?
And as such have attracted less international media interest than if they were white tourists.
Another thought that it was in some way anti Mori propaganda - possibly to do with border closures to Malians re ebola. That 'incident' described elsewhere may be related. Who knows.

But even then - if it was as described that is a major attack.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
That is more likely what it was Chris. Highway robberies happens, usually attacking public transport after dark.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Nov 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 65
very odd indeed
certainly the women were not French
I can't imagine a group of them travelling on a bumpy piste packed in the back of an old pick-up, why?
also 100 million cfa is a lot of many
plus no additional news on that ... may be a hoax
however the Malian embassy in Nouakchott stopped issuing visas to french citizens

on the other hand, armed robberies do happen occasionally and even if ending in violence don't usually get reported in the western media
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mauritania - Mali Border Incidence borneoman North Africa 11 14 Nov 2014 20:49
Coming into Mali priffe sub-Saharan Africa 1 29 Jan 2014 13:03
SW Mali January, 2013 priffe sub-Saharan Africa 0 19 Jan 2013 00:53
Mauritania to west Mali Chris Scott Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 2 11 Jan 2013 19:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:22.