The Mali War College (EGM) celebrated the graduation of its 5th class, dubbed the "African Class," on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The solemn ceremony, held on the college grounds, was presided over by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Major General Oumar Diarra, in the presence of Chiefs of Staff and Directors of Services, several military authorities, as well as the families and friends of the new graduates.
After eleven months of training dedicated to strategic thinking, operational planning, and emerging defense and security challenges, 27 students, including four women, received their diplomas. Hailing from nine African countries—Mali (14), Burkina Faso (5), Cameroon (1), Guinea (1), Morocco (1), Niger (2), Senegal (1), Chad (1), and Togo (1)—they complete their training with a new status and, above all, increased responsibility: that of contributing to strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making within their respective armed forces.
The ceremony was marked by the presentation of awards for excellence for the 2025-2026 academic year. A total of 18 students were recognized in three specializations: 14 in Scientific Research, 2 in Operational Training, and 2 in Academic Teaching. These awards recognize the students' excellence and demonstrate the importance placed on research, innovation, and the quality of training at the Malian War College.
In his address, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Major General Oumar Diarra, commended the performance of the Military Academy (EGM) and the leadership of its command. He particularly praised its influence across Africa, exemplified by the training of trainees from nine countries.
According to him, this momentum aligns with the vision of the Head of State and reflects the growing strength of the Malian Armed Forces. He also highlighted the progress made in Mali's autonomy in military training, which is now provided across the entire curriculum, from basic training to the War College. This sovereignty in training, he noted, is accompanied by the development of a national military industry. Faced with evolving threats and an increasingly asymmetric and multidimensional war, Major General Oumar Diarra urged the new graduates to "think outside the box." He urged them to prioritize a strategic approach adapted to the new security realities and to put their skills at the service of the Armed Forces, the people, and their states, while remaining true ambassadors of the values of the Malian War College.
For his part, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Élisée Jean DAO, emphasized four essential requirements: think, anticipate, decide, and act. He invited the new graduates to develop strategic thinking rooted in African realities and capable of integrating new forms of threats, including hybrid warfare, terrorism, cyber threats, and information warfare.
For his part, the Commandant of the Malian War College, Major General Oumar DAO, presented a review of the academic year. He reported on the full implementation of the training program, the updating of the Master's program in "Strategy, Defense, Security, and Development," and the creation of new tools designed to strengthen strategic planning and thinking capabilities.
It should also be noted that the EGM (Military Gendarmerie School) is continuing its modernization with the progressive integration of artificial intelligence, the development of digital tools, and the upgrading of its infrastructure. This dynamic reflects the institution's commitment to adapting to technological advancements and new operational requirements in the fields of defense and security. Upon completion of this training, the 27 new graduates take with them much more than a diploma. They now bear the responsibility of transforming their acquired knowledge into informed decisions, serving the peace, sovereignty, and stability of their countries.
Sgt. Dougo Aminata KONE
