Mali

The Foreign Office advises that ‘terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Mali, including kidnaps. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant, especially in places such as hotels, restaurants and places of worship, keep a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities.’

What are we missing? Timbuktu, the famous ancient city, was according to Unesco ‘an intellectual and spiritual capital and a centre for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its three great mosques, Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia, recall its golden age.’