Malian Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, has unveiled plans to establish a domestic arms industry to bolster the military’s capabilities and enhance the overall security of the nation.
Speaking during a national address commemorating the 64th anniversary of the Malian Armed Forces, General Goïta highlighted the significance of the new facility, which will focus on assembling individual and collective weapons, light tactical vehicles, and producing munitions and explosives for civilian use.
He further announced reforms to the doctrine of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), aimed at equipping them to address emerging security threats. This includes the establishment of Mali’s war school, now hosting the first class of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The celebration marks 64 years since the Malian army gained independence from French colonisation on January 20, 1961. General Goïta expressed confidence that the new arms industry and military reforms would significantly strengthen the nation’s defence infrastructure.
