The Operational Training Center (CMCO) in Timbuktu hosted the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for 394 recruits from the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Integration (DDR-I) process.
During this ceremony, the new recruits took an oath before the national flag, sealing their solemn commitment to serve in the Malian Armed Forces with honor, discipline, and loyalty.
The ceremony was presided over by the Governor of the Timbuktu region, Chief Superintendent of Police Bakoun Kanté, in the presence of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Taoudéni, Bollé Maouloud Baby, the DDR-I representative, Lieutenant Colonel Amadou Konaré, as well as numerous administrative, military, and traditional authorities, and the families of the recruits who came to attend the event.
For six months, the recruits successfully completed a Common Basic Training program structured around general physical conditioning, general military training, operational readiness, and instruction in specific current affairs topics. At the end of the training, the top three graduates received their certificates from the attending authorities. The top graduate was Private Bréhima Diarra with an overall average of 16.43.
The ceremony featured demonstrations of hand-to-hand combat, machete handling, disassembly and reassembly of individual and crew-served weapons (submachine guns, PKMs, and 12.7 mm machine guns), as well as target practice.
In his address, the Governor of the Timbuktu region, Chief Superintendent of Police Bakoun Kanté, welcomed the integration of these young people into the ranks of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). He commended their patriotic commitment and expressed his gratitude to the highest authorities of Mali, while also offering special thanks to the Head of Sector 3 of Operation Dougoukoloko, Colonel Seydou Bassirou Niangado, for his ongoing efforts to strengthen security and consolidate lasting peace in the region. For his part, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Taoudéni, Bollé Maouloud BABY, stated that the tactical demonstrations and military parade reflected the growing strength of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) through high-quality training. He emphasized that he had observed the recruits' determination, dynamism, and commitment to defending the nation with bravery, honor, and loyalty, while reaffirming the support of the authorities and the population for the Malian Armed Forces.
The Head of Sector 3 of Operation Dougoukoloko, Colonel Seydou Bassirou NIANGADO, indicated that the arrival of this new contingent will contribute to strengthening the Sector's operational capabilities and intensifying in-depth security operations. He was particularly pleased with the recruits' excellent command of individual and crew-served weapons, a testament to the quality of the training provided at the Center.
For his part, the Director of the Operational Training Center in Timbuktu, Lieutenant Colonel Adama Kounandi Ouattara, emphasized that this Basic Joint Training course illustrates the commitment of the highest military authorities to continue strengthening the operational capabilities of the Malian Armed Forces. Addressing the new recruits, he urged them to demonstrate unwavering dedication: “This fight must remain with you at all times, now that you have acquired the basic technical and tactical knowledge through this training.” He congratulated them on their patriotic choice to serve in the armed forces, before inviting them to demonstrate discipline, courage, and loyalty in carrying out their future missions. Finally, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the instructors and trainers for their professionalism, availability, and strong sense of responsibility.
The ceremony concluded with a military parade, followed by a meal for the units, in an atmosphere of camaraderie and cohesion, marking the official entry of these 394 young soldiers into the ranks of the Malian Armed Forces.
Sgt. Abdoulaye Traoré
