Mali: Assimi Goïta outlines vision for Sahel Development Agency

Transition President General Assimi Goïta convened newly appointed interim Administrator Elly Prosper Arama of the Liptako-Gourma Authority (ALG), delivering strategic directives to transform the regional body into an effective development engine for the crisis-hit Sahel zone.

The meeting marks a critical juncture for the tri-border region encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where security and humanitarian challenges have long hindered progress.

President Goïta emphasized the urgent need to reposition ALG as a coordinated development agency capable of addressing the Liptako-Gourma’s compounding crises.

“This institution must evolve beyond its current framework to deliver tangible improvements in living conditions while reinforcing member states’ sovereignty,” stated the Malian leader during the closed-door session at the presidential palace.

Arama, appointed by ALG’s Heads of State Conference in July 2025, outlined his operational roadmap featuring:

Establishment of national expert committees from all three member states
Priority infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity
Security-development nexus programs targeting conflict-affected communities

The administrator acknowledged the formidable challenges posed by persistent insecurity but maintained an optimistic outlook: “Our collective resolve and technical coordination will overcome these obstacles. Development cannot wait for perfect security conditions.”

This restructuring comes as the Sahel Confederation implements synchronized counterterrorism operations to create enabling environments for ALG’s upcoming initiatives.

The revitalized authority is expected to launch its first projects before year-end, focusing on cross-border water management, agricultural revitalization, and critical road networks.

Neil Camara