Timbuktu Military Base Welcomes 300 New Recruits

TIMBUKTU, Mali - On September 30, the Timbuktu military base officially integrated 300 newly trained soldiers - including 10 women - into the Malian Defense and Security Forces. The recruits took their oath of allegiance under the national flag during a ceremony held at Camp Fort Cheick Sidi Bekaye, attended by the representative of the Governor of Timbuktu and the regional military commander.

The new soldiers successfully completed a six-month comprehensive training program - the first of its kind in the region - covering weapons handling, tactical maneuvers, and civic education. During the ceremony, the recruits showcased their skills in assembling and disassembling weapons, performed educational skits on drug prevention, and demonstrated combat techniques.

To recognize outstanding performance, the top three trainees received awards for excellence and bravery. The deployment marks a significant reinforcement of security personnel in northern Mali, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and strengthen state authority.