Jacques De Deken - ReSurge volunteer, who helps coordinate our work in Mali.
Dr. Oumar Coulibaly is doing fine, although he feels rather demoralized by the current events. He mentioned life in Bamako is otherwise calm and peaceful, at this time, with everyone attending his/her daily work as usual.
The news from Dr. Oumar is pretty much in line with what I've read in available local Malian news media - see, for instance, www.maliweb.net and www.essor.ml (note that maliweb also has several additional links to other local news media). The rebels have now taken the northern cities of Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, and now seem to be at the outskirts of Mopti.
Dr. Oumar is trying to get his folks to leave Gao and come join him in Bamako. Although there is a local transport company that still organizes such transports of people who want to flee Gao, this may not be easy given the situation. His parents appear to be safe and in good condition, for now.
Dr. Oumar has not heard back from the University of Dakar, where he will continue his studies. One of his classmates will be arriving in Dakar next week and will do the necessary leg work on Dr. Oumar's behalf (checking in with the University, finding a dorm, etc...).
More information as I know it.
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