SECURITY SYSTEM IN MALI: 254 Ex-Combatants Officially Integrated into the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa)

As part of its national security reorganization program, the Malian government has taken another step forward. 254 former members of armed groups have joined the ranks of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) as privates, amid ongoing debates surrounding the handling of past abuses.

The Malian defense apparatus is continuing its integration process. In accordance with the national Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Integration (DDR-I) program, 254 ex-combatants from the central region of the country (Ségou, Mopti, Bandiagara) are now wearing the national uniform.

The contingent comprises:

137 young people from Fulani movements,

87 former combatants from the Dan Na Ambassagou militia,

30 traditional Dozo hunters.

This cohort represents 12.7% of the overall target of 2,000 recruits into the armed forces, in addition to a socio-economic reintegration component for another 1,000. Stemming from the resolutions of the February 2025 Inter-Malian Dialogue, this program is the first entirely managed by Bamako since the withdrawal of MINUSMA and the expiration of the Algiers Agreement.

While the authorities see this program as a lever for national cohesion and strengthening military personnel against armed terrorist groups, reservations have been raised by human rights NGOs. These organizations are calling for more rigorous background checks to prevent this integration from being used as a shield against potential prosecution for abuses committed during the conflict.

Christian AKPAKPA

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