APA – Bamako (Mali) – The commander of the new force will have the rank of deputy chief of staff of the Malian armed forces.
The head of the transitional government, Colonel Assimi Goïta, announced the creation of the Armed Forces Rapid Intervention Force (FIRA) in a recent decree.
This new unit, integrated into the armed and security forces, aims to improve Mali’s ability to respond to security threats.
The main mission of FIRA, which will report directly to the Chief of the Armed Forces, is to plan, coordinate and conduct operations aimed at achieving decisive operational results.
This includes the fight against terrorist or criminal organisations, participation in hostage rescue operations, protection of high-ranking military and civilian personnel and sensitive installations, and support to special forces as required.
It is highly capable in that it is authorised to intervene throughout the national territory to counter any threat to defence and territorial integrity.
The command of the Armed Forces Rapid Intervention Force (FIRA) will be entrusted to a senior army officer whose identity has not yet been revealed.
He will be appointed by presidential decree on the proposal of the Minister of the Armed Forces and will have the rank of Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff. He will be assisted by a deputy commander who will ensure the continuity of operations in the event of the absence or incapacity of the main commander.
How FIRA will be organised and run has not yet been determined. This suggests that the operationalisation of this new security structure will take some time.
The creation of FIRA could be a significant step forward in the authorities’ efforts to strengthen national security and combat terrorism and crime.
The new structure is designed to improve the coordination and responsiveness of the security forces to the threats facing the country. It comes on top of other counter-terrorism initiatives, such as the autonomous Special Forces Battalion and the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (FORSAT), which have shown some limitations.
MD/te/lb/as/APA