In 2008, Newton visited poverty-stricken Mali, describing it as a "humbling experience".

In the end, Mr. Christopher chose to visit Mali, widely considered to be one of only two unambiguously democratic countries in West Africa; the other is Benin.

Misia began getting involved in fund-raising in 2002 and went on to visit Kenya, Mali, and Malawi, setting up the charity Child Africa.

He also traveled to West Africa and visited Timbuktu, Niger, and Mali.

When President Jacques Chirac visited Mali in 2003, it was no surprise that Malians lining the road for a peek at his motorcade cried, "Visa!

The second account is that of the traveler Shams al-Din Abu Abd'Allah ibn Battua, who visited Mali in 1352.

He had visited Mali with an uncle in around 1510 and perhaps again 3 years later.

Ibn Battuta, famed Moroccan traveler, visited Mali for several months from 1352-1353 and confirmed an abundant supply of gold in the kingdom.

"She is praising you for visiting Mali."

In the morning, Kenya's foreign minister, who was visiting Mali at the time, reported that Bamako airport had been closed and that he could hear gunfire.