Security Overview for Mali

Crime
Mali's overall crime level is low, except in the northern regions of Gao, Tombouctou, and Kidal, where occasional carjackings and armed robbery pose a threat to travelers. Violent crime is rare in urban areas, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common. If confronted by a criminal, do not resist or make gestures that could be interpreted as being threatening. Most criminals are unarmed but will not hesitate to use violence if they encounter resistance. Female travelers are occasionally subjected to harassment. Minimize the risk of unwanted attention by dressing conservatively; wear a minimal amount of makeup.

Conditions have remained largely calm in the capital Bamako since a March 2012 military coup. Although the political crisis has increased tensions in the country, the coup has not provoked major acts of violence. The security situation in northern Mali has deteriorated considerably since Tuareg rebels launched a rebellion in northern Mali's Kidal, Gao, and Tombouctou regions in January 2012. The National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (MNLA) has taken advantage of political turmoil in the country to make significant gains in northern Mali.

Travel Security
If possible, hire a private car and driver for local and provincial travel. Avoid all road travel to the Tombouctou area and along the borders of Mauritania and Algeria due to the risk of carjacking and robbery. Travel by air or by boat to these areas is the most secure means. Check on security situations in northern and northeastern Mali in advance of making travel plans.

Buses are not normally well maintained, and are usually overcrowded; foreigners are frequently overcharged. When using public transport, female travelers should look for women-only compartments or areas. Mali's train stations are normally crowded and frequented by thieves. Avoid arriving or departing by air or rail at night. If it is unavoidable, arrange to be picked up or dropped off by hosts or representatives of your hotel.

Northern Mali is also plagued by banditry and criminal organizations. The Malian government does not have the means to effectively deal with the banditry, as security forces are lacking both fuel and equipment. Criminal activity in rural areas tends to decrease during the rainy season (July through September). The threat of kidnappings in the border regions is increasing.

Civil Unrest
Civil unrest has declined in Mali since the mid-1990s; most non-violent anti-government student protests and political demonstrations normally occur during election periods. Student protests are normally limited to areas near the University of Bamako.

Terrorism
Although there are no known domestic terrorist organizations in Mali, the Algeria-based Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), formerly known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, is active in Northern Mali. Despite an ongoing military offensive against AQIM, militants continue to pose a serious threat to travelers in the northern border area.

Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom is a growing concern in Mali, especially in the rural regions bordering Mauritania and Western Sahara. Several western embassies advise travelers against visiting northern Mail as the threat of kidnapping by AQIM is high.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.