History of Bamako in Timeline

Bamako is the capital and largest city of Mali, situated on the Niger River. With a 2022 population of over 4.2 million, it's located in the southwestern part of the country, near the rapids that separate the upper and middle Niger valleys. As Mali's primary urban center, Bamako is significant for its economic, political, and cultural importance within the nation.

1906: Construction of Point G hospital began

Construction of the Point G hospital in Bamako began in 1906.

1910: Birth of Gabriel Touré

In 1910, Gabriel Touré, after whom the hospital was named, was born in Ouagadougou.

1913: Construction of Point G hospital completed

In 1913, construction of the Point G hospital in Bamako was completed. The hospital covers 25 hectares (62 acres).

1935: Death of Gabriel Touré

In 1935, Gabriel Touré died after being contaminated by a patient with the pneumonic plague.

1959: Establishment of Gabriel Touré Hospital

In 1959, the Gabriel Touré Hospital was established in Bamako.

1960: Completion of the Bridge of Martyrs

In 1960, the Bridge of Martyrs was completed in Bamako, connecting both sides of the Niger River.

1972: Establishment of Union Malienne Des Aveugles

In 1972, the Union Malienne Des Aveugles, an integrated school and center for the blind and partially sighted, was established in Bamako.

1974: Bamako-Sénou International Airport opened

In 1974, the Bamako-Sénou International Airport opened to passengers, located 15 kilometers (9 mi) from the city.

1988: WHO conference held in Bamako

In 1988, Bamako hosted a WHO conference known as the Bamako Initiative, which played a significant role in reshaping health policy in sub-Saharan Africa.

March 1991: Bridge of Martyrs renamed

In March 1991, the Bridge of Martyrs was renamed in memory of protesters killed by the regime of Moussa Traoré.

1999: Passenger traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 1999, government figures revealed that the Bamako-Sénou International Airport served 403,380 passengers.

2003: Passenger traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 2003, government figures revealed that the Bamako-Sénou International Airport served 423,506 passengers.

2004: Passenger traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 2004, government figures revealed that the Bamako-Sénou International Airport served 486,526 passengers.

2005: Passenger traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 2005, government figures revealed that the Bamako-Sénou International Airport served 516,000 passengers.

May 2006: Release of "Bamako" at Cannes Film Festival

On May 21, 2006, the film "Bamako", directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, was first released at the Cannes Film Festival.

February 2007: "Bamako" released in Manhattan

On February 14, 2007, the film "Bamako" was released in Manhattan by New Yorker Films.

April 2007: "Bamako" received Film Award of the Council of Europe

In April 2007, the film "Bamako" was the recipient of the first Film Award of the Council of Europe at the Istanbul International Film Festival.

2007: Increase in total air traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 2007, the total air traffic at the Bamako-Sénou International Airport increased by 12.4%, with passenger numbers rising by 20%.

December 2008: Contract signed for new hospital construction

On December 27, 2008, the contract was signed for the building of a new hospital in Bamako, located in the district of Yirimadio.

2008: Continued increase in air traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

In 2008, air traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport continued to rise, with an increase of 14% overall and a 17% increase in passenger transport.

2011: Four universities founded

In 2011, four universities were founded in Bamako: the University of Social Sciences and Management of Bamako (USSGB), the University of Humanities and Social Sciences of Bamako (ULSHB), the University of Science, Technology and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), and the University of Legal and Political Sciences of Bamako (USJPB).

2015: Projected passenger traffic at Bamako-Sénou International Airport

By 2015, it was predicted the passenger traffic at the Bamako-Sénou International Airport would reach over 900,000 under a low (4%) yearly growth-rate scenario.