Mali: Independence Celebrations Cancelled Amidst Rising Unrest

On Thursday, the 60th anniversary of Malian independence was celebrated with senior citizens, schoolchildren, and educators preparing to showcase the nation’s colors. However, the ruling Junta called off the festivities due to rising tensions in the north of the country and considering mobilising reservists.

Assimi Gota, the head of the junta, assured his people that security forces would be fully deployed throughout the country. Goita explained that after a decade of external troops in their region, he had come to understand the logic beyond which to maintain insecurity and allowed the people of Mali to take their security into their own hands.

The African military relies on Russian support to re-establish their sovereignty and strengthen their bond with the United Nations. Despite large portions of territory still under their control, the Malian people have decided to take their security into their own hands after years of foreign intervention failed to bring lasting peace and stability. The Mali military is turning to Russia for support in re-establishing their sovereignty, as large areas remain outside their control.

This move is seen as a way to reduce dependency and maintain independence. Gota expressed gratitude to Russia for its support, stating that their involvement has been extremely beneficial in preserving the nation’s sovereignty in a complex and tense regional and international context. The cancellation of the independence festivities is a reminder of the ongoing turmoil in Mali, where Tuareg-dominated groups have resumed operations against the government despite signing a peace agreement in 2015.

The conflict has caused immense suffering for the Malian people, who had hoped to celebrate this milestone with peace and stability. Nevertheless, the Malian people remain resilient, determined to rebuild their nation and regain full control of their territory.