Travel advisory from Ottawa re Mali:
MALI – AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to the city of Bamako, the province of Sikasso and areas in the provinces of Segou and Koulikoro south of the Niger River, due to the threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Regional Advisory for for northern Mali
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the Northern Mali provinces of Tombouctou, Kidal, Gao, Mopti and Kayes, as well as to areas North of the Niger River in the provinces of Segou, Koulikoro and Kayes, due to political instability and ongoing military clashes, as well as the threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mali?utm_source=mali&utm_medium=travel_en&utm_campaign=mailout_links&utm_content=2013-11-21%2001:31%20pm