MALI marked its 64th anniversary of independence from French rule on Sunday, with President Assimi Goita leading the celebrations in the capital, Bamako. The commemoration comes just days after a deadly terrorist attack on the Faladie Gendarmerie School claimed the lives of trainee paramilitary and police officers.
The landlocked West African nation, which gained independence from France on June 20, 1960, under the name Sudanese Republic, became the Republic of Mali after its brief federation with Senegal ended. Now, Mali is governed by a military administration following a coup in August 2020.
Alliance of Sahel States
Amid ongoing terrorism challenges, Mali has joined forces with neighbouring military-led nations, Niger and Burkina Faso, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. This alliance aims to bolster collective security in a region increasingly beset by terrorist groups.
A senior Malian military official, speaking to Anadolu news agency, revealed that the country has ‘diversified its partners,’ strengthening ties with Russia and China while maintaining relationships with European nations like Germany and Spain. ‘Our new partnerships are based on sincerity and honour,’ the official stated, emphasising that previous relationships, especially with France, were not mutually beneficial.
Strained relations and security concerns
Mali has become increasingly vocal about its dissatisfaction with former Western allies. ‘For 60 years, we were in a one-way partnership,’ the official explained, accusing certain partners of sponsoring terrorist groups. The government recently severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing Kiev of involvement in a terrorist attack, a claim Ukraine denies.
In recent weeks, Mali’s military has reported significant successes in neutralising terrorist threats. However, the official lamented the lack of support from international partners in their fight against terrorism, highlighting instances where air support was requested but never arrived. ‘We had wounded soldiers on the battlefield, but the help we needed never came,’ he added.
Alliance with Niger and Burkina Faso
Under the AES, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed a joint military force to tackle the escalating security crisis. These three nations, with a combined population of 72 million, are grappling with the rise of militant groups that have destabilised the Sahel region.
The alliance has withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following threats of military intervention after a coup in Niger in July 2023. AES leaders held their first summit in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in July, where they announced the creation of a confederation aimed at enhancing security cooperation.
Looking ahead
As Mali celebrates its independence, the country faces a future defined by both the challenges of terrorism and the potential of new alliances. The AES represents a new chapter in regional cooperation, as these nations seek to secure their borders and restore stability. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, with international partnerships in flux and the ongoing threat of terrorism looming large.
