On 25 February 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“Locations: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following places in Bamako, Mali:
- February 27 – Ministry of Security in ACI 2000
- February 28 – Place de Liberte and Monument de L’independence
“Events:
“February 27: Former police recruits are planning a sit-in on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 AM to express their dissatisfaction. The event will take place in front of the Ministry of Security in ACI 2000 near the 14th Police Precinct. Local authorities have not authorized the event.
“February 28: The Platform Against Corruption and Unemployment is calling for a march on Friday, February 28 at 2:00 PM to call for the re-opening of schools. They have invited all civil organizations, unions, and school partners to join the demonstration. This event will begin at Monument de l’Independance and finish at Monument de la Paix. The government has authorized the march.
“While these demonstrations are expected to be peaceful, other demonstrations in Bamako have caused traffic disruptions and resulted in burning of tires and the deployment of tear gas.”
