The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have called on Uganda to increase military training opportunities for their personnel, highlighting the growing defence partnership between the two countries and the need for African nations to strengthen their military capabilities through cooperation.The request was presented by Brigadier General Alou Boi Diarra, the representative of the Chief of General Staff of FAMa, during a meeting with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Brig Gen Diarra thanked Gen Kainerugaba for inviting the Malian delegation to participate in the Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) conference. He also commended Uganda for its warm reception and commitment to Pan-Africanism, describing the hospitality extended to the delegation as a reflection of African solidarity.The Malian representative also shared an update on the security situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region. He expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for providing military training to FAMa personnel, revealing that officers who received training in Uganda are now using their knowledge to lead and train other soldiers in their country.Gen Kainerugaba welcomed the Malian delegation and thanked the leadership of FAMa for honouring his invitation. He reaffirmed Uganda’s willingness to continue assisting other African military institutions, stressing that cooperation among African countries remains essential to advancing the continent’s shared interests.
He further praised the close cooperation between the armed forces and governments of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). According to Gen Kainerugaba, the unity demonstrated by the three countries offers an important example of regional integration that other African nations should work towards achieving.
The CDF also emphasised that Africa’s progress would benefit from closer military cooperation, including the federation of smaller armies and collective efforts to improve the lives of African people. He argued that stronger partnerships among African nations could help advance the continent’s long-standing Pan-African vision.Gen Kainerugaba concluded by inviting the leadership of FAMa and the Malian government to visit Uganda. Both leaders agreed that regular exchanges involving visits, military training, ideas, commerce and social interaction would strengthen relationships among African countries and bring the continent closer to achieving its Pan-African dream.
