MS Risk Blog

Security Advisory: Mali (19 January 2017)

Executive Summary

At least fifty people were killed in a car bomb attack on a military base in northern Mali on Wednesday in what is one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in the country. Officials have disclosed that a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a camp housing soldiers and members of rival armed groups in the region’s main city, Gao. The attack occurred around 9 AM (0900 GMT). Three days of national mourning have been declared.

Security Advisory

The northern Malian desert region has been restive since it was captured by militant Islamists in late 2012. While a French military intervention in 2013 ousted the militants from the main cities in the region, the area remains tense, with attacks being reported on a nearly weekly basis. Since 2015, the threat has spread to the rest of the country, particularly in the southern-most region of Sikasso, as well as in the capital city of Bamako, where terrorist attacks and banditry have become more frequently since Spring 2015. In recent months, the situation in Mali has deteriorated and there has been a rise attacks that have been reported in the central region of the country.

Attacks in Mali have targeted both civilians and the Malian Defense and Security Forces (MDSF) as well as United Nations peacekeepers deployed in the country (MINUSMA). Terrorists have targeted Malian government outposts and bases camps for MINUSMA.   In March 2016, heavily armed assailants attacked the European Union’s Training Mission (EUTM) headquarters and primary residence in Bamako. Furthermore, incidents in neighboring states, particularly Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, have been linked to instability in Mali.

The deterioration of the security situation in central and northern Mali, coupled with inter-ethnic violence, are urgent issues that need to be addressed in order for stability in Mali to return. A major issue however has been the slow implementation of an agreement between the Malian government and coalition-armed groups.

Due to ongoing terrorist attacks and criminal violence, MS Risk continues to warn against all travel to the following regions of Mali:

• The provinces of Timbuktu, Kidal, Gao and Mopti
• Parts of the provinces of Kayes, Koulikoro and Segou

MS Risk currently advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of the country, including the capital Bamako. Mali remains under a state of emergency, which will be in place until 29 March 2017.

The security environment across the country remains fluid and the potential for attacks throughout Mali, including in Bamako, remains high. Terrorist groups in the region are intent on carrying out attacks and kidnapping Westerners. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, public areas such as bars, restaurants and tourist sites, as well as Western interests. Citizens of countries supporting the military intervention are at a particular risk, however all travellers should exercise increased vigilance.

Anyone currently in Mali is strongly advised to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. We advise that you exercise caution, especially at night. Due to the ongoing state of emergency, heightened security measures are in place, including random identity checks and roadblocks. You are advised to carry identification and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times. When travelling, we advise that you use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules. You should exercise particular caution when travelling on motorways, in rural areas and in residential areas in Bamako – even during daylight hours. We advise that you avoid all road travel after dark.  

Bamako

Establishments in Bamako frequented by foreigners have been targeted by terrorist attacks. These attacks have caused deaths and injuries. If you are in Bamako, we advise that you avoid travelling in urban areas after dark, particularly in places that are frequented by foreigners.

Northern Mali

The threat of terrorism and kidnap is extremely high in northern Mali. Rebel forces, terrorist groups and criminal networks continue to operate relatively freely throughout this region and Malian security forces cannot ensure the safety of foreign travellers. The lack of infrastructure, reliable transportation, safe hotels and emergency services further exacerbate the security conditions in Northern Mali.

Kidnapping 

There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Mali but particularly in the northern regions of the country and in all border areas. Westerners are a preferred target. Some hostages have been detained for months before being released while some have been killed.

Border Areas with Ivory Coast

Since 25 June 2015, terrorist and criminal incidents have been reported in the border areas with the Ivory Coast. Clashes between Malian authorities and other armed groups have occurred in the Misseni and Fakola sectors.

French Military to Boost Defences Against Cyber Attacks

The French defense minister announced this month that France is no less vulnerable than the United States to cyber attacks from foreign countries, adding hat the military will boost its resources in order to defend against them.

During an interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated that there is a real risk of cyber attacks on French civil infrastructure such as water, electricity, telecommunications and transport as well as against French democracy and the media. The statement comes as US intelligence agencies released a report indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had directed a cyber campaign to help Republican Donald Trump’s electoral chances by discrediting Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign. When asked whether France was immune from such attacks, Le Drian stated “no, of course not, we should not be naïve.” He went on to say that if the US election had indeed been manipulated, it would be an unbearable interference, as targeting a country’s electoral means attacking its democratic foundations and its sovereignty.

France has been affected by cyber attacks as in April 2015, hackers knocked French TV station TV5Monde off the air. French judicial sources later disclosed that Russian hackers linked to the Kremlin could have been behind the attack. France has now said that in 2016, it was the subject of 24,000 cyber attacks against defense targets and according to Le Drian, such attacks were doubling every year, noting that thousands of external attacks had been blocked, including attempts at disrupting France’s drone systems.

France will hold presidential elections in April – May. Leading conservative challenger Francois Fillon has stated that he wants to improve relations with Russia. He has in the past been praised by the Russian leader. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen also favours closer relations with Russia. However French-Russian relations have been strained by Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014 and over Russia’s role in the war in Syria. Furthermore, outgoing Socialist President Francois Hollande has cancelled the sale of warships to Russia. He also played a key role in imposing sanctions on Russia over Crimea.

Security Advisory (18 January 2017)

Executive Summary

Witnesses have reported that gendarmes left their base at the port of Abidjan on 18 January, firing in the air and telling companies with offices there to close. The gendarmes then moved out of the port area and blocked a major road in the city’s Treichville neighborhood, halting traffic and resulting in residents fleeing home. There have been no reports that this incident has affected operations at the port in Abidjan, however any vessels calling at this port are advised to check ahead with port authority. In the city of Bouake, guards fired their weapons in front of the main prison in a bid to pressure the government into paying them more money. On Tuesday, at least two soldiers were killed in the capital Yamoussoukro, just hours after the government began paying bonuses to former rebels.

Security Advisory

Weeks of unrest appear to be showing no signs of easing and the violence is now apparently spreading amongst the security forces of the country. In order to prepare for civil disorder we recommend the following immediate action:

• Have a weeks supply of life support, including fuel
• Keep vehicles out of site in repair shops and stripped of valuables
• Be prepared to hand over vehicles if forced
• Keep a manifest of all staff and report daily
• Book all staff off site and back daily
• Do not go out before 0900 and be back by 1500 to avoid peak traffic and obvious car jacking times
• Ensure all staff have adequate air time and have emergency numbers and control post numbers to hand
• Establish a Duty Manager roster so that there is always a responder ready
• Email all movements to a central point so that there is a running record
• You should expect to see increased government forces traffic and presence if tensions increase

MS Risk continues to closely monitor the situation in Cote d’Ivoire and we will issue further bulletins as more information becomes available.

US Presidential Election: Inauguration Day

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45^th President of the United States of America on 20 January. Here is a look at Inauguration Day (All timings UK times).

19 January

• Wreath-laying Ceremony: Mr Trump will attend the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia, expected to begin at 8:30 PM.
• Welcome Concert: The concert at Lincoln Memorial marks the official kick-off to the inaugural events. Mr Trump and his vice-President, Mike Pence, are expected to make an appearance. The concert is expected to begin at 9 PM.

20 January

• Morning Prayer: Traditionally, the day begins with a prayer, which for some presidents took place at the St John’s Episcopal Church, located across the street from the White House. This event is expected to occur at around 1:30 PM.
• White House Meeting: Mr Trump and Barack Obama will have a meeting at the White House, which is a customary courtesy from the outgoing president to the incoming one. The outgoing president leaves a brief note for his successor. Mr Obama has vowed to help Mr Trump achieve a smooth transition of power.
• Swearing-in Ceremony: Mr Trump, accompanied by his family, is expected to be sworn into office at 5 PM by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr in the ceremony in front of the US Capitol building.
• The oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.”
• Attending: Hundreds of thousands will attend the ceremony, including former presidents, the diplomatic corps and invited guests. Defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton will attend along with her husband, former president Bill Clinton. Mr Obama will attend the ceremony and will then leave by helicopter.
• Inaugural Address: After being sworn-in, Mr Trump will deliver his first presidential address.
• Inaugural Parade: At the end of the swearing-in ceremony, the parade will proceed from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. This is expected to start at 8 PM.
• Inaugural Ball: The day ends with a series of inaugural balls across Washington DC. The two main balls will be held at the Walter E Washington Convention Centre, and one at the National Building Museum. Mr Trump and the First Lady are expected to make an appearance.
• Protests: Almost two dozens group s have applied for permits for protests on or around Mr Trumps’ inauguration, ranging from anti-war associations to anarchists. The Women’s Mach, which is expected to gather some 200,000 people, is scheduled near the Capitol Building on 21 January.

Security Advisory: Cote d’Ivoire (17 January 2017)

Executive Summary

Reports have emerged that elite loyalist troops killed a mutinous soldier in the administrative capital Yamoussoukro on Tuesday 17 January. The soldier’s death is the first to occur since a mutiny over pay erupted in the city of Bouake on 5 January. The mutiny concluded last week after an agreement was reached between the government and soldiers, who began receiving their payments on Tuesday. However tensions have remained high and on 17 January, troops, enraged that they were excluded from the deal, took to the streets of Yamoussoukro and Bouake, firing into the air and prompting fears of further unrest.      

Security Advisory

Tensions remain high across the country and the incidents in Bouake and Yamoussoukro may spread further across the country. In order to prepare for civil disorder we recommend the following immediate action:

• Have a weeks supply of life support, including fuel
• Keep vehicles out of site in repair shops and stripped of valuables
• Be prepared to hand over vehicles if forced
• Keep a manifest of all staff and report daily
• Book all staff off site and back daily
• Do not go out before 0900 and be back by 1500 to avoid peak traffic and obvious car jacking times
• Ensure all staff have adequate air time and have emergency numbers and control post numbers to hand
• Establish a Duty Manager roster so that there is always a responder ready
• Email all movements to a central point so that there is a running record
• You should expect to see increased government forces traffic and presence if tensions increase

MS Risk continues to closely monitor the situation in Cote d’Ivoire and we will issue further bulletins as more information becomes available.