Mali: Independence celebrations in tribute to victims of terrorism
On September 22, Mali will commemorate its independence. This 63rd anniversary will be a ceremony in tribute to the valiant Malians (Malian armed forces, civilians) who fell in the defence of their country.
The commemoration of Mali’s independence this year will be a sober affair. The Malian Presidency has decided to postpone the festivities marking this celebration. And on the instructions of the Head of State, Colonel Assimi Goïta, the financial resources earmarked for the activities will go to the victims of terrorist acts and to support the bereaved. This decision was taken by the Council of Ministers on 13 September.
This decision reinforces the commitment and determination of the Malian authorities to work for the defence of the homeland and the preservation of the security and integrity of the population and their property, in the current context of security crisis (terrorism). With this in mind, the government intends to activate the reservist force set up at the start of the crisis.
The reservist force was mobilised for a specific purpose: to provide support to the Malian Armed Forces following the terrorist attacks perpetrated against civilians and members of the Malian Defence and Security Forces on 7, 8 and 12 September.
It is a force made up of young people who have completed their military service, soldiers whose resignation has been duly accepted and soldiers who have retired. Called the Strategic Reserve, it is a response to article 24 of the Constitution, which states that «the defence of the homeland is a duty for all citizens, and all citizens aged 18 and over may be mobilised alongside the Armed and Security Forces for the defence of the homeland»
