Bamako - Mali's government has announced a
state of emergency that will last for 10 days
through the holidays. Mali's government released a communique on
Monday saying the state of emergency started
December 21. It prohibits large groups from
gathering in public spaces and permits police
to search people's homes. The call comes as
Malians prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, which
usually includes gathering in the streets. The government previously declared a state of
emergency after the November 20 attack on
the Radisson Blu Hotel that killed at least 20
people in the capital, Bamako. Insecurity has gripped Mali since 2012 when a
power vacuum saw Islamic extremists take
control of the north. A French-led military
operation pushed extremists from major towns
in 2013, but attacks continue. - AP

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