Mali Celebrates 64th Independence Anniversary Amid Efforts to Combat Terrorism and Foster Development

On September 22, Mali commemorated its 64th independence anniversary, with festivities taking place across the nation and in the capital city. Transitional President Col. Assimi Goïta marked the occasion, addressing the nation on Saturday night and highlighting the country’s progress in combating terrorism and developing its infrastructure.

The president credited the "progressive return of basic public services and key infrastructures" in cities such as Ber, Tessalit, Anéfis, Kidal, and Aguelhok to the "stabilization operations" led by the Malian military. He paid tribute to the victims of the September 17 terrorist attacks on Bamako, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Goïta also devoted a significant portion of his speech to the economic situation in Mali, pledging to ease the strain on the population and listing measures already in place to achieve this goal. Despite the impact of security crises on the economy, the country has managed to maintain efficient public finances, keeping inflation below the regional standard of 3%.

The president outlined a vision for future prosperity, highlighting developments in the agricultural and social sectors. Mali has increased its budget allocation to local governments, and 2024 saw the launch of a general agricultural census aimed at digitalizing farms. The country is also prioritizing energy poverty, with numerous solar power plants in the works to boost electricity access.

In the field of education, the Sikasso university in southern Mali has welcomed its first students, while efforts are underway to operationalize universities in Kayes, Gao, Tombouctou, and Badiagara. The transitional president emphasized the importance of sovereignty and national unity, stressing the need for the next elections to be a success in order to achieve serenity and sovereignty for the country.

While the country has been fighting terrorism for over a decade, the leader of the transition has emphasized the need for vigilance and exemplary operational posture in all circumstances. The postponement of presidential elections, initially scheduled for February 2024, has not been rescheduled, leaving the nation eagerly awaiting a new date for the polls.