Safety in Mali

The overall situation is severe. Armed groups including JNIM and ISGS operate across much of the country and the kidnapping of foreigners is a real threat. Most Western governments advise against all travel to Mali, and only Bamako is relatively secure, with caveats. Read your own government's advisory before you book anything, and check that your insurance is valid at all, since many policies void cover for countries under a no-travel warning.
Regions. Avoid the north and centre entirely, including Timbuktu and Mopti. Roads there are mined. Keep your movement around any city to a minimum and stay away from crowds.
At night. There is no reason to be on the street after dark. Bamako is poorly lit and armed robbery is a genuine risk. Take a taxi even between a hotel and a restaurant nearby.
Prohibitions. Photographing soldiers, police and any government building can lead to arrest. Be ready for fuel shortages, which periodically paralyse transport.
Health. Malaria here kills, so prophylaxis is not optional. Drink only sealed bottled water and never swim in rivers or lakes because of parasites.
Staying contactable. Carry a local SIM and a charged phone, note your embassy's details, and tell someone at home your movements. Have a plan for leaving quickly if conditions change.

Mali is in a protracted armed conflict. All governments advise against travel there under any circumstances.

What defines the situation. The north and centre of the country are areas of armed group activity, including groups linked to international terrorist organisations. Attacks, ambushes and bombings occur regularly, including on intercity roads.

Kidnapping of foreigners. One of the principal threats. Mali historically saw the largest number of Western nationals kidnapped in the Sahel, and the practice continues.

Timbuktu, Djenné and Dogon Country. The sites people came for lie in areas that cannot be visited. Timbuktu suffered the destruction of its mausoleums, and Dogon Country is affected by intercommunal violence.

Practical realities. International cards work poorly, the economy runs on cash, and electricity is intermittent. International air links are limited.

Insurance. No standard policy covers Mali.

Martial law. Emergency measures and curfews apply across much of the country.

Photography. Military installations, checkpoints and armed personnel are categorically off limits.

Movement. Roads to the north and centre are unsafe. Overland travel beyond Bamako is not undertaken.

Improvised explosive devices. Laid on roads, main highways included.

The political situation. The country has been through military coups, relations with several states are strained, and the UN peacekeeping mission has withdrawn.

Antiquities. Illicit trade in Malian artefacts, Dogon sculpture and Timbuktu manuscripts included, is under international scrutiny.

Consular assistance. Diplomatic presence is reduced.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry.

Malaria. Very high risk year-round. Prophylaxis is essential.

Meningitis. Mali lies in the meningitis belt and the ACWY vaccine is necessary.

Other vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, polio and cholera.

Water. Unsafe everywhere.

The humanitarian situation. Large numbers of displaced people, restricted humanitarian access, and a food crisis in some areas.

Healthcare. Weak, and absent in conflict zones. Evacuation is extremely difficult.

Heat. Among the hottest countries in the world: Bamako and the north pass 45°C from April to June.

Mali sits at the very bottom of global safety rankings.

Who controls the ground. The government holds the south and the capital; the north and centre are areas of activity for various armed formations.

Kidnapping. The defining risk to a foreigner. Hostages have been held for years.

Checkpoints. Numerous, belonging to different forces.

Where people definitely do not go. The north (Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu), the centre (Mopti, Ségou), and the frontiers with Burkina Faso, Niger and Mauritania. Bamako is formally calmer, but attacks on places frequented by foreigners have occurred there too.

Consular assistance. Limited; several countries have reduced their presence.

The honest conclusion: Mali is not a place to travel to.