Bamako hosted a landmark ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, marking the second anniversary of the Mali Citizen Brigade, with Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo attending as a special guest.
The event, held at the Bamako International Conference Center, brought together government officials, community leaders, and hundreds of young brigade members.
Established in 2023 under the supervision of Mali’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Citizen Brigade promotes civic education, solidarity, and community engagement among young people.
Over the past two years, the initiative has conducted numerous awareness campaigns and educational programs designed to instill values of citizenship and patriotism.
Prime Minister Ouédraogo praised the initiative as “a lasting instrument for changing the mentality of Malian youth and society,” while conveying fraternal greetings from the people of Burkina Faso to their Malian counterparts.
He highlighted the historical and cultural bonds linking the two nations, stating: “We share a common history, values of courage and resilience, as well as a destiny linked by the quest for peace and true sovereignty.”
He urged young people to remain at the forefront of societal progress, adding: “What is a citizen without civic-mindedness, if not a threat to his own community? And what is a nation without patriots, if not a vulnerable land, without defense or destiny!”
Malian Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga expressed gratitude for his counterpart’s presence, noting that it “enhanced the splendor of the ceremony” and underscored the commitment of AES Confederation leaders to placing youth at the centre of regional development.
Malian Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, also conveyed warm regards to the Burkinabe delegation, represented by Roland Somda.
The ceremony culminated in a solemn oath by members of the Citizen Brigade, pledging to serve their communities diligently.
Participants affirmed their dedication to building a stronger, more united, and sovereign Sahel, reflecting the initiative’s dual focus on youth empowerment and regional cohesion.
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