I did the road 3 days before the kidnappings I think.
From 'bou to 'chott is just less than 500km, there were 13 checkpoints then (various police and customs) but also long stretches of nothing inbetween.
There isn't much traffic, but if you stop for 30 mins usually 3-10 different vehicles would go past in that time, mostly all mercedes being taken to be sold and tourists.
Horrible place to break down, usually very windy and sandy but you wouldn't die etc. There are variouis little settlements along the way and places you can call in for tea etc (Auberges, but not the fancy western version)
Leave early in the morning (7am) and you will be in 'chott by 3pm easily and it allows a few hours for things to go wrong or taking pictures.
As ever, never tell guides/hangers on what your plans are - if going to 'chott, say you have just come from there and are going in the opposite direction etc etc
I was on the road from Kiffa to Nioro the day after it happened and noted nothing special from the Police etc - but it would take a few days to sort out.
I would imagine convoys/escorts will become the norm - surely the road through to Nioro is a much easier target if the plan is to get them into Northern Mali?
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