Mali Country Report
Mali has a severe security threat environment that poses a real risk to foreign travelers and migrants. The political situation has become more complicated since the arrest of President Ibrahim Bukar Keita (IBK) and members of his cabinet in mid-August 2020 in connection with a military coup. President Keita was forced to resign and a military government called the National Military Commission was established. The National Salvation Army (CNSP) took power and established a civilian-led transitional government at the end of September. However, the CNSP, led by Colonel Asmi Guitar, eventually forced the civilian leaders to resign in mid-2021, allowing him to take power himself. This has raised concerns in Mali’s civil society that the CNSP will postpone democratic elections scheduled for February 2022.
In addition to political instability, high levels of violence associated with the presence of multiple armed groups and Islamist extremists in northern, central, and southern Mali are increasingly fueling insecurity. Terrorist attacks are still a daily occurrence in the northern and central regions, and high-profile attacks are carried out periodically in the country’s capital. Foreign interests in the country, including Bamako, have been targeted by terrorist groups that often seek to cause maximum casualties. Underdeveloped communications, transportation, and public infrastructure make it difficult for the state to govern large areas of the country. Medical infrastructure is very limited, including in some areas of Bamako.
COVID-19 restrictions on advanced testing procedures may apply. Travelers who are fully vaccinated can enter and leave the country without restrictions. Non-vaccinated travelers must provide a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival. Upon departure from Mali, unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel. Passengers may be asked to complete a COVID-19 surveillance questionnaire upon arrival.
Last updated: July 6, 2023
Security
Mali is generally rated as a high-risk destination. Several armed groups are active in the northern and central regions of the country and carry out frequent attacks, and the violence is gradually spreading to parts of the southern region. Similarly, Mali is at high risk of terrorism from Islamic extremist groups based in the north and the wider Sahel region. Crime is a pervasive threat in Mali characterized by violent and minor incidents. Protests over socio-economic and political issues are frequent and can turn violent.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Infrastructure
Mali is connected to many international and regional destinations by reputable airlines, but domestic flight options are limited.
Land travel in Mali poses significant risks, particularly in the northern and central regions, associated with poor road conditions, poor driving standards, and chronic insecurity.
Electricity generation and transmission infrastructure are old and financially constrained, and efforts to improve the sector and expand coverage have been hampered by political unrest and conflict. The financial telecommunications sector is largely underdeveloped and underfunded, making Internet access limited and costly, although the situation is improving.
Last updated: April 27, 2022
Environment
Mali’s climate is desert in the north, semi-arid in the center, and humid in the south, so temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the location and time of year. Mali experiences regular flooding during the rainy season, usually from June to October. Drought and heat are also common in this country. Mali is located in a region of high seismic activity, with low to moderate scattered tremors reported, especially in the southern region.
Last updated: March 16, 2023
Health and Medical
Mali has a wide range of disease-related risks, particularly malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and meningitis. Medical facilities in Mali are very limited and there are only two reputable clinics in Bamako. The medical evacuation threshold is low. Across Mali, shortages of over-the-counter and prescription drugs are common. The widespread sale of counterfeit drugs is a big problem. Tap water is not safe for consumption.
Last updated: February 24, 2022
Political
The political situation has become more complicated since the arrest of President Ibrahim Bukar Keita (IBK) and members of his cabinet in mid-August 2020 in connection with a military coup. President Keita resigned on August 18 and dissolved parliament. The junta, calling itself the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), seized power and announced in late September that it would form a civilian-led transitional government. According to the agreement signed by the CNSP, the transitional government will remain in power for 18 months until new elections are held. However, in May 2021, military forces loyal to the CNSP and its leader Assimi Guita arrested members of the civilian transitional government and forced them to resign. Colonel Guita is currently serving as the country’s president until elections are held. On June 24, the Mali government approved a new election law. The date of the presidential election has been set for February 2024.
Corruption is a major issue that affects all levels of government and civil servants. The rule of law is generally weak and influenced by political interference and a culture of impunity. A UN sanctions regime is in place in northern Mali against those who have violated the 2015 peace agreement.
Last updated: July 7, 2022
