Mali and Senegal have reinforced their military ties as both nations confront escalating terrorist threats along their shared 419-kilometer border.
This move follows Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, underscoring the need for bilateral security collaboration.
Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara hosted his Senegalese counterpart, Birame Diop, in Bamako for high-level discussions.
The meeting, also attended by the chiefs of staff of both armies, Generals Oumar Diarra (Mali) and M’Baye Cissé (Senegal), focused on strengthening joint security measures.
The urgency of cooperation stems from recent violence in the Kayes region, including the kidnapping and death of Thierno Amadou Hady Tall, claimed by the Katiba Macina terrorist group in December 2024.
Despite Mali’s exit from ECOWAS, Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, continues to engage diplomatically, working alongside Togo to prevent a complete break between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the regional bloc.