Mali Celebrates Independence: A Call for Unity and Progress Amidst Challenges

Mali commemorated the 64th anniversary of its independence on September 22, with festivities held across the nation, including the capital, where the transitional president participated in ceremonies. Col. Assimi Goïta, who has led the Sahelian nation for five independence celebrations, delivered a significant address focused on the ongoing fight against terrorism and the vision for national development.

In his speech on September 11, Goïta highlighted the “progressive return of basic public services and key infrastructures” in cities such as Ber, Tessalit, Anéfis, Kidal, and Aguelhok. He attributed the regained sovereignty over these areas to “stabilization operations” conducted by the Malian military. The country has faced a decade-long battle against Islamist terrorist groups, which have increasingly collaborated with separatist factions.

The transitional leader paid homage to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Bamako on September 17, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. He emphasized the necessity for vigilance and maintaining a robust operational stance in response to the threats posed by terrorism. While no official death toll was reported from the attacks, security officials confirmed casualties among gendarme students and defense forces.

Economic Challenges

In a notable portion of his 16-minute address, Goïta addressed the pressing economic challenges facing Mali. He recognized that the ongoing security crises have led to increased military expenditures, negatively impacting other vital sectors. He pledged to intensify efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by the populace and outlined measures already in place to support this goal.

Despite the economic strains, he reported that Mali has managed to keep inflation below the regional standard of 3%, demonstrating efficient management of public finances amidst the difficult circumstances.

Vision for Prosperity

Looking towards the future, Col. Assimi Goïta articulated a vision of prosperity, particularly in agricultural and social sectors. He announced an increased budget allocation for local governments, raising it from 412 billion CFA francs in the previous year to 440 billion in 2024. This adjustment is aimed at enhancing local governance and services.

Additionally, 2024 will see the initiation of a general agricultural census, which Goïta believes will pave the way for the digitalization of farms, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector. Ongoing efforts in hydro-agricultural planning are designed to sustainably utilize the full potential of the Niger and Senegal rivers.

Energy poverty is another critical issue for the government, which is actively working on the development of numerous solar power plants. The aim is to establish an optimal “energy mix” to boost electricity access across the nation.

In the education sector, progress is also being made, with Sikasso University welcoming its first students. Plans are underway to restore operations at other institutions, including those in Kayes, Gao, Tombouctou, and Badiagara.

Commitment to Unity and Sovereignty

Col. Assimi Goïta reaffirmed the importance of sovereignty and national unity as the core principles of his transitional government. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that upcoming elections are a success, as they are crucial for Mali’s continued journey towards revival and stability.

“We must work to ensure that the next elections are a resounding success so that the country can continue its path toward revival in serenity and sovereignty,” he concluded.

As Mali navigates its complex landscape of security challenges and economic difficulties, the call for unity and resilience resonates deeply. The independence celebrations serve as a reminder of the nation’s struggles and aspirations, urging all Malians to stand together in pursuit of a more secure and prosperous future.