Thirty-seven former combatants, primarily originating from the Kidal region, officially integrated into the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) in Anéfis on Wednesday following the completion of six months of intensive military training.
Conducted at the Kidal Mixed Training Centre, the instruction covered tactical maneuvering, weapons proficiency, physical conditioning, and army service regulations. Upon taking their oath of allegiance before the 7th Military Region command, the demobilized fighters were formally incorporated into the national military hierarchy at the rank of private, with recruit Sani Ag Antihidene named top graduate after achieving an average score of 16.92 out of 20.
The incorporation forms part of the national Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Integration (DDRI) initiative directed by the Ministry of National Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion in alignment with the recommendations of the Inter-Malian Dialogue. The overarching framework targets the structural integration of 2,000 former fighters into national defense and security institutions alongside the socio-economic reintegration of an additional 1,000 beneficiaries. Official figures indicate that 1,760 former combatants have been demobilized to date, with 1,617 candidates selected for service following background eligibility screening and military instruction, a total that includes the 37 privates inducted during the Anéfis ceremony.
The selection of Anéfis—a critical tactical position along the strategic Gao-Kidal axis—underscores the territorial importance of the integration process amid ongoing security operations in northern Mali. Following extensive clashes with regional non-state armed groups, the town now functions as a major operational support hub for national forces. Conducting the formal induction within this volatile sector highlights the government’s dual strategy of incorporating former combatants into the regular army while simultaneously maintaining active military pressure, including targeted aerial operations, against armed groups across the Kidal region.
MD/te/Sf/lb/abj/APA