Mali Inaugurates New Military Camp to Strengthen Security Presence

The transitional government of Mali on Thursday inaugurated a new military camp in Kita, aimed at reinforcing the presence of the Malian Armed Forces in the region and enhancing security for local populations.

The facility was officially inaugurated by the Minister of State and Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Sadio Camara, who holds the rank of Lieutenant General.

Built on an area of approximately 500 hectares, the camp was fully financed through the national budget and completed within an initial construction period of twelve months.

The infrastructure includes several key facilities such as administrative buildings, an infirmary, residential quarters for officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, an arms depot, a kitchen, and sanitary blocks.

The foundation stone for the project was laid in mid-2023 in the presence of the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Oumar Diarra, along with several civil and military authorities.

During the launch of the construction works, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Harouna Samaké, stated that establishing the camp between Kati and Kayes would help improve territorial coverage and reduce the response time of the armed forces during security operations.

For his part, the mayor of the commune of Benkadi-Founia, Mahamadou Dembélé, welcomed the project, describing it as a long-awaited development that will contribute to strengthening security and supporting efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the area.

According to transitional authorities, the construction forms part of a broader strategy to establish at least one military camp in each region of the country, with the objective of improving the protection of people and property across the national territory.