The Malian region of Kayes recently commemorated the 66th anniversary of its independence with a ceremony at the Mamadou Lamine Dramé military camp. The event, presided over by Regional Governor General Moussa Soumaré, featured a civil-military parade and the awarding of promotions to new defense and security personnel. The governor also handed out recognition certificates to civilians and military personnel for their efforts in addressing the security crisis.
In his address, Governor Soumaré urged the people of Kayes to redouble their efforts in contributing to national development. He emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from Mali's historical figures and heroes, such as Niamody Sissoko. The governor acknowledged the region's resilience in the face of security challenges earlier in the year, which affected supply routes and economic activities.
Despite these challenges, Governor Soumaré reported that Kayes continued to thrive, with significant economic progress. The region's major mining companies produced 19,277 tons of gold in the first half of 2026, a notable increase from 13,041 tons during the same period in 2025. This uptick in gold production underscores the region's potential for economic growth.
The agricultural sector also showed positive trends, with 160,393 hectares of land cultivated and an expected harvest of 225,855 tons of cereals, 109,110 tons of food legumes, and 17,145 tons of emerging and market gardening crops. These figures indicate a robust agricultural performance, contributing to the region's overall economic stability.
In addition to these achievements, Governor Soumaré highlighted the region's commercial sector, which maintained a steady supply of essential products, including hydrocarbons. The region recorded a trade surplus of 6,462,131,107 FCFA, with 11,108 tanker trucks escorted along the Diboli-Kayes and Mahinamine-Kéniéba corridors, transporting 496,435,240 liters of petroleum products over the past three quarters.
Governor Soumaré expressed his gratitude to the defense and security forces for their tireless efforts in securing the region's territory, people, and assets. Their contributions have been instrumental in maintaining stability and fostering economic growth in Kayes. The governor's address reflected a strong sense of commitment to continued progress and development in the region.
As Mali marks its 66th anniversary of independence, the people of Kayes are reminded of their crucial role in shaping the nation's future. With a focus on national construction and development, the region is poised to build on its achievements and address ongoing challenges, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.
Key points
- The region of Kayes reports increased gold production and agricultural output.
- Governor Soumaré urges citizens to contribute to national development.
- The region maintains a trade surplus despite security challenges.
