Head of State Issues Directives to Mali’s Two New Ambassadors

Koulouba, January 29, 2026 - The President of the Transition and Head of State, His Excellency General Assimi Goïta, received Mali’s two newly appointed ambassadors on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as they formally assumed their duties. They are Mr. Seydou Coulibaly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Angola, and Brigadier General Boubacar Diallo, the new Ambassador of Mali to the Republic of Rwanda. Following the audience, Mr. Seydou Coulibaly expressed his deep gratitude to the Head of State for the confidence placed in him. The discussions reviewed the national situation and explored prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between Mali and Angola, a country with which Mali maintains excellent political ties. The President of the Transition reaffirmed Angola’s strategic importance, recalling Mali’s long-standing commitment to peace, notably illustrated by the sacrifice of Alioune Blondin Bèye, former UN Special Representative. The Head of State issued clear directives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, while stressing the importance of protecting Malian nationals residing in Angola. He underscored that this diplomatic action must align with the guiding principles of Malian public policy: national sovereignty, respect for strategic choices, and defense of the population’s best interests. The Ambassador also stated that his mission would include informing Angolan authorities about Mali’s ongoing restructuring, the reforms underway, and the role of the Malian diaspora in nation-building. For his part, Brigadier General Boubacar Diallo, Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda, welcomed the renewed confidence of the Head of State and received specific instructions on his roadmap, particularly in the areas of security, economy, and diplomacy. The President emphasized Rwanda’s strategic importance on the regional and international stage, especially in security, innovation, and economic development. Ambassador Diallo highlighted the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, still in a consolidation phase, notably through the effective implementation of agreements signed under the Joint Cooperation Commission. He also stressed the importance of providing accurate and balanced information on Mali in the face of disinformation, and of promoting economic opportunities for Malian entrepreneurs. These two meetings underscore the firm commitment of the highest authorities to revitalizing Mali’s diplomacy in the service of peace, development, and the defense of national interests.