APA – Bamako (Mali) – The decision not to hold elaborate independence day ceremonies was taken during Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
The President of the Transition, Colonel Assimi Goïta, decided to suspend the celebrations of the 63rd anniversary of the independence.
This follows recent deadly attacks, including those on the boat Timbuktu and the military camps of Bamba, Gao and Bourem on September 7, 8 and 12 respectively. To this end, the commemoration of the country’s independence will be celebrated with sobriety.
The head of the transition has instructed the government to redirect the financial resources earmarked for these activities to providing assistance to victims of jihadist attacks and to supporting the bereaved.
At the Council of Ministers meeting on September 6, it was decided to mark September 22 with great fanfare in contrast to previous years when the celebrations were put on hold due to the multidimensional crisis facing the country.
The decision to give this year’s celebration a special glow was in line with the advent of the 5th Republic, which is enshrined in the constitution of July 22, 2023, as well as the “Rise of the Army.”
This year’s activities included the reaffirmation of Mali’s sovereignty, the perpetuation of the efforts of the fathers of independence, and the strengthening of patriotism, peace and social cohesion.
However, all these activities have been canceled due to the current situation in the country, which is marked by an upsurge in armed violence, in particular the resurgence of a rebellion, as well as terrorism, which is already in full swing.
MD/ac/lb/as/APA