Mali Strengthens Military Ties With Senegal Despite Leaving ECOWAS

Mali and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime, despite Mali’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

During a two-day high-level meeting in Bamako, Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara and his Senegalese counterpart, Birame Diop, discussed ways to enhance security collaboration between the neighbouring nations.

Speaking at the meeting, General Camara emphasized that “Mali has left ECOWAS but remains willing to build fruitful relationships with its regional partners, particularly Senegal.

He highlighted the need for mutual efforts in addressing shared security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, illicit trafficking, and organised crime.

Senegal’s Defense Minister Birame Diop echoed this sentiment, stating that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had given clear instructions to prioritise military cooperation with Mali.

With both nations sharing a 419-kilometer border, Diop stressed that tackling security challenges requires coordinated strategies and joint actions.

Mali and Senegal have already established military ties through an agreement signed in March 2021, enabling joint border patrols and military training exchanges. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening this cooperation, ensuring both nations benefit from enhanced security measures.

Beyond military concerns, the meeting also touched on environmental preservation, particularly the Falémé River, a crucial waterway for both countries. The Senegalese government has suspended gold mining activities along the river to prevent environmental degradation.

General Camara reiterated Mali’s commitment to sovereignty and independent decision-making under the leadership of Transitional President Assimi Goïta. He stressed that Mali would continue to choose its partners based on national interests while maintaining strong bilateral relationships with key neighbours like Senegal.

source: malijet

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