President Assimi Goïta Gives Instructions to Mali’s New Ambassador to Geneva(Koulouba

Bamako, January 18, 2026 - The President of the Transition, General Assimi Goïta, received the new Malian Ambassador to Geneva, Sékou dit Gaoussou Cissé, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Koulouba Palace. The meeting aimed to provide the diplomat with strategic instructions for the effective defense of Mali’s interests in Switzerland.

Previously Director for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Cissé will now represent Mali in Geneva.

After the audience, he stated that the Head of State had delivered clear directives, emphasizing that Malian diplomacy is grounded in three constitutional principles: sovereignty, choice of partners, and defense of the interests of the Malian people.

Mr. Cissé also highlighted the cultural and identity dimension of the country’s ongoing restructuring, noting that the President called for promoting the Year of Culture so that every Malian feels fully integrated and enriched by diversity.

The President further reaffirmed the importance of protecting Malians’ interests across all institutions and urged full engagement in the Confederation of Sahel States (CSA), described as a framework forging its own path, free from external influence and aligned with the aspirations of its people.

Addressing upcoming challenges, the ambassador cited international communication as a priority, stressing the need to inform bilateral and multilateral partners accurately, counter disinformation, and clearly explain Mali’s choices.

He concluded by affirming that Mali’s decisions are not directed against anyone, but taken in the interest of the Malian people, and pledged to defend Mali’s interests firmly, loyally, and clearly in a shifting geopolitical landscape.