Mali Reaffirms Sovereignty, Security, and International Partnerships at BAMEx

BAMAKO, Mali-On the sidelines of the Bamako International Defense and Security Exhibition (BAMEx 25) (November 11-14), Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, accompanied by Alhamdou Ag Iliane, Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization, held a press conference with national and international media to reaffirm Mali’s security priorities, sovereignty, and development vision.

Minister Ag Iliane stressed that Mali, like any other country, is confronting an exceptional situation with determination and selflessness, while Mr. Diop reaffirmed that defense and security remain the absolute priorities of the Malian people.

He emphasized that Mali is at war against terrorism and separatism, facing three major threats described as the "trilogy of misfortune," involving Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Daesh (Islamic State), and an ongoing secessionist rebellion.

The transitional authorities are making considerable efforts, choosing to strengthen defense and security with sincere partners. The Malian Defense and Security Forces (FDS) have achieved resounding successes on the ground, defeating terrorist groups and their leaders. Thanks to the FDS's firepower, these groups have been forced to change strategy, now targeting more vulnerable locations.

Regarding external pronouncements predicting the fall of Bamako, Minister Diop categorically refuted these claims as "fabricated" by foreign intelligence services and amplified by television studios. He affirmed that Mali remains strong, is neither Syria nor Afghanistan, and possesses sufficient military capabilities to deter any threat, describing the hostilities as a "proxy war" by hybrid forces.

The government has implemented a strategic plan to secure convoys and restore the country’s supply, particularly to Bamako, with hundreds of trucks arriving daily. The challenge lies in transport security, not product availability, with FDS personnel, transporters, and private operators risking their lives to ensure deliveries. Mali does not require specific external assistance to manage this situation.

Mali is working closely with the Confederation of Sahel States (CSA), including Burkina Faso and Niger, to break the cycle of dependence, subjugation, and external domination. Partnerships with countries such as Russia and Turkey, represented at BAMEx, signal support based on respect, trust, and solidarity.

The ministers also emphasized Mali's openness to balanced partnerships, the resilience of the Malian people, and the courage of the armed forces, underscoring a vision for autonomous action, strategic autonomy in defense, and the integrated development of the country.