Mali: General Assimi Goïta names the 47th graduating class of EMIA, a symbol of military excellence and regional cooperation
On November 28, 2025, General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presided over the graduation ceremony of the 47th class of the Inter-Arm Military School of Koulikoro (EMIA). This event, held under the banner of sovereignty and cooperation, brought together the highest state authorities, the diplomatic corps, and Mali’s partners, all gathered to honor the renewed commitment to strengthening the country’s defense and security forces.
The 343 young officers of the class, drawn from both the regular and special training cycles, took their oath before the national flag and the Head of State.
They pledged to serve the nation with loyalty, discipline, and dedication, upholding republican values. This solemn oath marks their official entry into the service of a Mali determined to ensure its own security.
The composition of this class reflects a dual ambition: national excellence and African solidarity.
The regular cycle consists of 325 officers, including 34 women, from nine brother nations, confirming the EMIA’s regional influence.
Among these, Mali trained 311 of its own officers, introducing a major innovation: a new recruitment scheme for civilian experts.
These specialists, intended for leadership roles within the armed forces, will reinforce critical areas such as military engineering, telecommunications, health, logistics, and institutional communication.
Simultaneously, the special cycle trained 18 national officers, all medical doctors 15 of whom are specialists addressing a crucial need to strengthen the armed forces’ health services.
Academic performance was outstanding, with Second Lieutenant Idrissa Tiama, top of the regular cycle (16.60/20), and Lieutenant Fousseyni Traoré, top of the special cycle (15.19/20), embodying the institution’s pursuit of excellence.
Finally, the ceremony highlighted the dynamism of South-South cooperation. Following the example of the previous class, 19 new officers validated a training module in Uganda, reinforcing strategic ties among African nations.
This 47th EMIA class thus embodies the new defense doctrine of Mali: building a capable, technically diverse military, rooted in sovereignty and open to continental solidarity, ready to meet national and security challenges.
Neil CAMARA
