As Mali commemorated its 64th Independence Day on September 22, 2024, transitional president Col. Assimi Goïta used the occasion to rally the nation towards unity and reflect on security achievements. This marked his fifth Independence Day address as leader, with a focus on the country’s ongoing battle against terrorism and strides toward development.
In his national address, Goïta highlighted the “progressive return of basic public services” and infrastructure in key northern cities such as Ber, Tessalit, and Kidal, attributing these gains to “stabilization operations” by the Malian military. He underscored the importance of vigilance, paying tribute to the victims of the September 17 terrorist attacks in Bamako.
Mali has been grappling with insurgent violence for over a decade, and while Goïta emphasized the need for continued military preparedness, he also turned his attention to Mali’s economic challenges. Acknowledging the strain of security expenditures, he praised the government’s fiscal management, pointing out that inflation had remained below the regional standard of 3%.
In a bid for future prosperity, Goïta outlined initiatives in agriculture, including the launch of a general agricultural census and plans for hydro-agricultural development to tap into the potential of the Niger and Senegal rivers. Energy also took center stage, with solar power plants being developed to combat energy poverty.
Education remains a priority, as Goïta mentioned the opening of Sikasso University and ongoing efforts to restore universities in Kayes, Gao, and Timbuktu. He reaffirmed his commitment to “sovereignty and national unity,” urging Malians to work towards successful elections that had been postponed from their original February 2024 date.
Goïta’s speech underscored a delicate balance between celebrating milestones and confronting the ongoing challenges facing Mali, with a clear call to action for the nation’s future.
