Mali, Founding Member of NAM, Reaffirms Role at Kampala Ministerial Conference

Mali Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdoulaye Diop took part, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the inauguration of the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting was under the high patronage of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also Chair of the NAM Summit.

The Non-Aligned Movement, established in 1961 during the Belgrade Conference following the 1955 Bandung Conference, was formed by countries willing to be free from the rival blocs of the Cold War. The Republic of Mali was one of the founding nations, with late President Modibo Keita playing a key role — it is reported that he coined the term “non-aligned” in his speech during the Belgrade Conference, along with other leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Josip Broz Tito, and Gamal Abdel Nasser.

At this year’s conference, Mali’s participation underscored its commitment to upholding that legacy while renewing dialogue on peace, national reconciliation, and the collective fight against terrorism, particularly within the framework of the Sahelian Confederation.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed a number of high-level addresses, the most prominent one delivered by President Museveni, who officially launched the proceedings. During the conference, delegates will be expected to assess progress made since the 19th NAM Summit and deliberate on issues of common interest to the member states.

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