BAMAKO'S EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE

S E C R E T BAMAKO 000749 DS/IP/AF, DSS, E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2020 TAGS: APER ASEC SUBJECT: BAMAKO'S EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE Classified By: RSO Eleanor Holloway reason 1.4 (c,d) ¶1. On November 18, the Ambassador convened Bamako's Emergency Action committee (EAC). In attendance were RAO, Pol/Econ, RMO, PAO, Con, Peace Corps, USAID, CDC, and RSO. ¶2. (S/NF) The Ambassador begin by briefing the EAC on the recent threat situation in the North and the latest Travel Warning. The Ambassador stressed the importance of the security situation in the North and the need for Mission employees to lower their profile. The Ambassador shared that she has requested a meeting with the President to review our joint efforts to counter extremists and promote security. ¶3. (S/NF) RAO discussed the situation that occurred in Niger, and the increased concern that there could be kidnapping of Americans in Mali. RAO further stressed that Gao is an area of concern. RAO further stated that although reporting suggests that kidnapping is the current mode of operation, the possibility of attacks against westerners and/or western installations in country, to include, but not limited to, the U.S. Embassy. ¶4. RSO addressed the security in Mali and the importance of submitting a Travel Notification for all travel outside of Bamako. All travel to the North for official travel will be considered on a case by case basis. Personal travel to the North will not be considered. The RSO will send a Security Notice for the upcoming holiday, stressing the importance for notifying the RSO of travel and security advise for the holiday travel. ¶5. Consular discussed the recent Travel Warning and will send it out Americans in Mali at large. ¶6. The Ambassador ended the meeting by stressing the importance of exercising our personal security awareness to include varying times and routes and avoiding loud conversations in English as well as discussions of personal and professional information when in public places such as restaurants and hotel lobbies. She requested the EAC and RSO reflect on practical ways to sensitize non-US facilities in Mali frequented by Americans and other foreign nationals (eg certain hotels and restaurants) to the need for appropriate security awareness and provide simple suggestions. MILOVANOVIC