Security alert after coordinated attacks

Belgium’s foreign ministry urged nationals to leave Mali immediately after coordinated attacks on April 25 hit Bamako, Kati military base and northern areas including Kidal. Officials said jihadist group JNIM and Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front were behind the violence, which included explosions, gunfire and a suicide bombing that killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara, according to the research.

At least 23 people have been confirmed dead. The airport was temporarily closed, then reopened, but airlines are still dealing with disruptions tied to the energy crisis and curfews.

Nomads, expats and aid workers face the highest risk

Belgium joined a wave of urgent warnings from France, the United Kingdom and the United States, all telling citizens to leave or avoid travel. The advisory matters most for expats, rotational workers, nonprofit staff and digital nomads who move through Bamako, northern Mali or road corridors with checkpoints.

Road travel to Côte d’Ivoire or Senegal is discouraged. Foreigners can face urban raids, kidnappings and sudden movement limits and the situation remains volatile because of ongoing jihadist violence and junta instability.

What travelers should do now

Belgian nationals should register with Travellers Online, keep movements to a minimum and contact the embassy if they stay in country. Those leaving should check commercial flight status before heading to the airport because curfew exceptions and service interruptions can change fast.

Companies with staff in Mali should activate evacuation plans and review insurance and duty-of-care coverage. Read our full Mali guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more travel alerts.