With regard to the latest post on the change of FCO advice.

I am part of a charity rally. Today we were called to the Foreign Office in London for a meeting with the head of Counter-Terrorism. In no uncertain terms he outlined the fact that the threat level has increased significantly in the region and that ( as we already know)Western tourists were being specifically targeted. Hence the change in the FCO advice.

On the basis of this meeting, ourselves, along with the Plymouth to Banjul/ Timbucktu Rally organisers(also in attendence) were strongly advised to cancel the rallies in light of the increased threat.

We have decided to cancel both rallies as we cannot be seen to be encouraging people to go against FCO advice.

The FCO are issuing an Ministerial statement on the situation tomorrow (something not often done and again reflecting the gravity of the situation)

Of course, anyone is still free to make the decision to ignore the FCO, but having heard what the counter terrorism team were saying, it would certainly make me think twice about returning to a region I know and like very much.

Terrible news for the Mauritanians and in fact the whole region (Mali travel advice was also updated today regarding the increased threat of kidnap, although the general level of advice remains unchanged)

Just thought you would like to know...