On the occasion of Independence Day, the address to the nation by the president of the Transition, General Assimi Goïta, struck a triumphant tone. With promises of economic growth, boasts of a strengthened military, and sovereignist rhetoric, the executive rolled out its usual narrative. Yet a methodical comparison of official statements with conditions on the ground reveals deep gaps—and even blatant contradictions—with the daily lives of Malians.
Security and “rising power”: the myth of territorial control
In his speech, the Presidency portrayed the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) as “reorganized, equipped, and victorious,” operating in synergy with partners from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- The reality on the ground: The speech is silent on the severe security deterioration seen in the center and north of the country. Large-scale attacks by JNIM or separatists—such as the strategic disaster at Tinzawatène or assaults on key garrisons like Dioura and Sévaré—show that the army struggles to secure vital routes and rural populations.
- The illusion of military sovereignty: While the speech touts a “recovered autonomy,” operational dependence on the Russian paramilitary contingent Africa Corps (formerly Wagner) has deepened at the cost of heavy financial and mining concessions, undermining the goal of a truly republican army.
Economic mirages and opacity in mining revenues
The speech highlights a supposed growth rate above 5% or 6%, driven by domestic resource mobilization and the effects of mining code reforms.
- Stifling daily inflation: For most citizens in Bamako and the provinces, macroeconomic theory no longer hides the soaring prices of basic goods (rice, oil, sugar) and fuel.
- Energy management and power cuts: Although the address mentions an “improvement in electricity supply,” the reality for households and small businesses remains marked by recurring outages from the national utility EDM-SA, paralyzing the informal economy and local production.
- Questionable mining benefits: The redistribution of mining funds promoted by the authorities contrasts with the massive allocation of public revenues and mining licenses to pay the bills of the foreign paramilitary partner.
Dialogue and reconciliation: rhetoric versus purges and political vacuum
The president of the Transition reiterated his call for “reconciliation” and “national cohesion” under the Charter for Peace.
- Closing civic space: This call for unity comes amid an unprecedented silencing of critical voices. Political actors, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society figures face prosecution, detention, or systematic intimidation whenever they question the management of the Transition.
- Break with northern actors: The unilateral denunciation of previous peace agreements and the all-military approach have buried inclusive mediation mechanisms, replacing dialogue with a bellicose stalemate.
By prioritizing political communication over facts, the official narrative struggles to hide the cracks in a governance model under strain. Between the self-satisfaction displayed in the halls of Koulouba and the growing insecurity weighing on the provinces, the gap continues to widen between the promises of “Malikura” and the daily experience of the Malian people.
