The 68th anniversary of Guinea's independence was celebrated in Bamako, Mali, with officials and dignitaries gathering to mark the occasion. The event was an opportunity for Mali and Guinea to reaffirm their historical ties and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The celebrations were attended by Ansoumane Camara, the Guinean ambassador to Mali, and Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, the Malian Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Modernization of Administration.
In his address, Ansoumane Camara recalled the significance of October 2, 1958, when Guinea gained independence from France. He praised the country's first president, Ahmed Sékou Touré, and his companions for their courageous decision to reject the French Constitution. Camara highlighted the solidarity shown by Mali and other African countries during Guinea's early years of independence, which helped the country overcome initial challenges.
The Guinean ambassador also drew parallels between the historical solidarity of African nations and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). He noted that Guinea, Mali, and Ghana, under the leadership of Ahmed Sékou Touré, Kwame Nkrumah, and Modibo Keïta, formed a pan-Africanist alliance aimed at liberating the continent. Camara expressed his hope that the values of independence and solidarity would continue to inspire future generations.
Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, the Malian Minister of Communication, praised the historical ties between Mali and Guinea, describing them as rooted in fraternity, solidarity, and cooperation. He recalled the famous phrase of Ahmed Sékou Touré and Modibo Keïta, who referred to Guinea and Mali as "two lungs of the same body." The minister expressed his satisfaction with the current state of bilateral cooperation, citing the signing of several agreements and a roadmap for cooperation.
The celebrations also highlighted the progress made by Guinea under the leadership of President Mamadi Doumbouya. Ansoumane Camara mentioned the Simandou 2040 project, a development program aimed at driving economic and social growth in Guinea. He also acknowledged the support of the Guinean government for Mali's efforts to combat terrorism and promote regional security.
In addition to the official ceremonies, the Guinean community in Mali organized social activities, including the donation of medical supplies to the Point G Hospital. The event was preceded by a reading of the Quran, highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
The celebrations concluded with a reaffirmation of the strong ties between Mali and Guinea, as well as a commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two countries continue to work together on regional and international issues, including security, economic development, and pan-Africanism.
Key points
- The celebrations marked 68 years of Guinea's independence, with Mali and Guinea reaffirming their historical ties and bilateral cooperation.
- The Guinean ambassador to Mali highlighted the significance of October 2, 1958, when Guinea gained independence from France, and praised the country's first president, Ahmed Sékou Touré.
- The two countries continue to work together on regional and international issues, including security, economic development, and pan-Africanism.
