On 19 May 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Announced gathering point includes, but is not limited to, the following place in Bamako, Mali:
- Bourse du Travail
“Event: The Platform Against Corruption has called for a protest on Thursday, May 19 at 3:00 p.m. to call for the release of its president, professor Clement Mahamadou Dembele. This event will occur at the Bourse du Travail. The Malian authorities have not approved this demonstration.
“This event may draw more than 50 people, which is prohibited under Malian COVID-19 countermeasures. Recent events have encountered a strong police/security force presence, the use of tear gas, and other riot control measures. Also, demonstrations often cause traffic disruptions.”
