The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA), Major General Élisée Jean DAO, accompanied by a delegation, visited the National Guard Headquarters in N’Tomikorobougou on Friday, August 21, 2026.
This visit is part of a series of official visits by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA) to the various headquarters of the Malian Armed Forces since his appointment to head the institution last May.
These visits provide a valuable opportunity for discussions with military leaders, sharing his vision of command, and strengthening coordination to improve the operational effectiveness of the forces.
Upon his arrival, Major General Élisée Jean DAO was greeted by the Chief of Staff of the National Guard, Brigadier General Daouda TRAORÉ, before reviewing the troops. This was followed by a meeting between the two general officers.
During their discussions, General DAO explained that the purpose of this visit was, in particular, to establish contact with the head of the National Guard and its various officers, in order to discuss the institution's concerns and share his vision for command. He emphasized the need for the National Guard to demonstrate flexibility and versatility to fully contribute to the new dynamic underway.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces also stressed the importance of strengthening personnel readiness through recruitment and unit training.
The discussions also focused on the National Guard's firm commitment, cohesion, and the need to fully play its role in the missions entrusted to it. The delegation also conducted several visits to sites under the jurisdiction of the National Guard, including the maternity ward, the main medical center, the office of the Malian Retired Guards Organization, and the National Guard Operations Command Center. These visits allowed the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA) to observe firsthand the operational conditions of these facilities and to speak directly with the relevant officials and personnel.
Particular attention was paid to the institution's veterans. Major General Élisée Jean DAO met with retired National Guard members to maintain contact with veterans and to gather their experience for the benefit of the institution.
During these discussions, the CEMGA also addressed the current situation in the country, the challenges related to the fight against terrorism, as well as the challenges of information warfare and reforms of geopolitical importance.
Through these official visits, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces reaffirms his directives and sets the requirements to guide the actions of the various General Staffs.
This approach aims to strengthen cohesion, discipline, coordination, and operational capabilities, so that every officer and personnel of the Malian Armed Forces fully assumes their responsibilities and carries out their mission with rigor, availability, commitment, and determination.
Sergeant Aminata Coulibaly
