The U.S. Department of State has updated travel advisories for four African countries—Mali, Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda—highlighting issues such as crime, infections, and local unrest.
Do not travel to Mali for any reason due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and health concerns, the State Department said in a June 8 update.
“The threat of kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups,” the advisory reads.
Violent crime is “common” throughout Mali, including assault, home invasion, and armed robbery, according to the advisory. There is a risk of terrorist violence, with foreigners getting kidnapped for ransom. Terrorists may strike at spots frequented by foreigners, nightclubs, places of worship, restaurants, and hotels….