Mali Appoints Brigadier General Daouda Traoré as New Chief of Staff of the National Guard

Mali has appointed Brigadier General Daouda Traoré as the new Chief of Staff of the National Guard, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities amid persistent security challenges.

The appointment was made during the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday, May 20, following a proposal from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs. The decision reflects the government’s determination to reinforce the operational capacity of Mali’s defence and security forces as the nation continues to battle insurgency and instability across its vast territory.

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Brigadier General Daouda Traoré now takes command of the National Guard, a critical force responsible for protecting state institutions, securing key infrastructure, and supporting military operations in volatile regions. His primary mission will be to continue efforts to secure the national territory, protect civilian populations, and consolidate stability across the country. The National Guard has played an increasingly important role in Mali’s counterterrorism operations, particularly in rural areas where extremist groups remain active.

The Council of Ministers’ decision also signals the authorities’ confidence in the experience and leadership of the new Chief of Staff. Traoré, a career military officer who rose through the ranks, is expected to bring operational expertise and strategic vision to the role. His appointment comes at a time when Mali’s military led government is working to reassert state control over all regions, including the northern and central areas that have long been plagued by violence linked to jihadist groups and separatist militias.

No further details were provided regarding the previous Chief of Staff or the specific reasons for the change, but the appointment is widely seen as part of a broader effort by Mali’s transitional authorities to professionalise and reorganise the country’s security apparatus. The move also follows similar leadership changes in other branches of the armed forces as the government continues to prioritise national security above all other policy areas.

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