Security is everyone’s business in Mali and beyond

Only recently, we could travel or go to work or to the street market without having, in the back of our mind, the possibility of witnessing or being a victim of a terrorist attack, abduction or any other types of attacks. Today, all continents are affected by soaring terrorism. Civilians around the world live with the awareness of the risks, and we can safely assume that those civilians and their leaders aspire to a safer place with optimum security.

Diplomacy and international cooperation

Terrorism has no borders. We can therefore only encourage international cooperation. After around ten years of appealing for collaboration with our neighbours, G5 Sahel is now in place. We however consider that G5 could, at the very least, become a G6 that includes Algeria, as this country shares a border exceeding 2,300 kilometres with Mali and Niger.

Beyond cooperation at the Sahel-Saharian level, we encourage, at EU level, concerted actions to fight for a terrorism-free world and against the financing of terrorism.

This obviously does not preclude or diminish the responsibilities that Mali leaders must take charge of and be accountable for.

The responsibility of Mali’s leaders

Investment in military equipment and investment in the training of our men must be a priority. We must do everything in our power to ensure that our soldiers, heroes of our Nation who are ready to give their life for our country, are adequately prepared to protect themselves and protect us. This involves, among other things, the increased specialisation of our troops according to the type of threat and this involves continuous training.

Our soldiers, our wounded or disabled veterans, their wives and children: all must be shielded from indigence. The increase and good management of the budget allocated to them must be a priority.

Finally, the security of the country must also be ensured clearing mines off our grounds and strengthening our intelligence services to better understand threats and anticipate attacks.