Mali and Senegal strengthen security ties in High-Level bilateral meeting
On February 6, 2025, Mali’s Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, General Sadio Camara, welcomed his Senegalese counterpart, Birame Diop, along with a high-level delegation, for a two-day bilateral meeting in Bamako.
The discussions focused on enhancing security cooperation between the two nations, which face shared challenges such as terrorism, cross-border crime, and illicit trafficking.
Birame Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Armed Forces, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of the partnership under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership.
He highlighted the progress made since the signing of a military technical agreement in March 2021, particularly in areas like joint training and border patrols.
Diop praised Mali’s resilience and the bravery of its armed forces, calling for intensified collaboration to address regional security threats.
General Sadio Camara underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between Mali and Senegal, encapsulated in their shared motto: “One People, One Goal, One Faith.”
Despite Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, Camara reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, in line with the vision of Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, cross-border crime, and criminal networks, which he attributed to the influence of imperialist actors.
Key areas of collaboration identified during the meeting included intelligence sharing, joint training, and environmental protection.
Diop raised concerns about the ecological impact of gold mining along the Falémé River, urging joint action to address the environmental and health risks faced by local communities.
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening military and environmental cooperation between Mali and Senegal. By working together, the two nations aim to tackle complex security and ecological challenges, ensuring stability and prosperity for their citizens.
Neil Camara
