The graduation ceremony for the 7th class of the Staff College took place on Friday, August 21, 2026, on the parade ground of the Boubacar Sada Sy Training Center in Koulikoro.
The event was presided over by the Director of Military Schools, Brigadier General Moussa Yoro KANTÉ, representing the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, in the presence of several military and administrative authorities.
There are a total of 31 new graduates, including two women. The valedictorian of the class is Lieutenant Colonel Adama SIDIBE of the Civil Protection Service. He achieved an average of 14/20.
The Staff Officer Certificate course is designed for senior officers destined to serve as battalion and regimental staff officers.
Upon completion of this training, these officers of the Malian Armed Forces have acquired a solid understanding of the environment and operations of staff headquarters.
The Commandant of the Koulikoro Staff and Command School, Colonel Ismael Diakite, indicated that the basic staff officer course marks a significant milestone in the trainees' development and highlights the effort, discipline, and commitment they demonstrate throughout their training. According to him, in accordance with its mission to organize courses, workshops, and seminars, the Koulikoro Staff and Command School has been conducting this course for over three years, and its seventh edition concluded today. Colonel Ismael Diakité noted that the training course has also been welcoming officers from the National Police and the Civil Protection Directorate for the past year. According to the Commandant of the School, this expansion clearly demonstrates the increasing militarization of its structures. "Never forget that the training you receive is only one step. Future operations, responsibilities, and experiences will continue to enrich your career," he stated. He concluded by reiterating his thanks to the military authorities for their unwavering support of his institution. The top graduate of the class, Lieutenant Colonel Adama Sidibé, a firefighter, began by paying tribute to the fallen and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded. According to the major, this success is the result of the dedication of the instructors. On behalf of the trainee officers, he thanked the instructors for their professionalism. Furthermore, he specified that the 7th graduating class of the Staff College Certificate program is ready to serve the nation with dedication.
The Director of Military Schools, Brigadier General Moussa Yoro KANTE, expressed his admiration for the results achieved at the school. The aim was to provide additional skills to officers of the Malian Armed Forces so they could work within the general staff. General KANTE noted that mechanisms have been put in place to evaluate officer training. Modules taught in the schools will now be adapted to real-world situations, he concluded.
Since its creation in 2020, the program has trained 180 Malian officers, thus contributing significantly to strengthening operational and command capabilities within the Defense and Security Forces.
ADC Alou Kola Traoré
