On Monday, Diarra Raky Talla, the second vice-president of Mali's Conseil national de la transition (CNT), addressed the Guinean National Assembly during a solemn session. She advocated for sovereignty and West African solidarity, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Bamako and Conakry. Talla described the Mali-Guinea axis as a stronghold against sub-regional crises. The session was attended by Guinean deputies and numerous dignitaries.
Talla emphasized that the union between Mali and Guinea goes beyond geographical or administrative boundaries. She recalled the legacy of Modibo Keïta and Ahmed Sékou Touré, noting that the two nations share a common history and vision dating back to the early days of independence. This shared history has fostered a strong bond between the two countries.
During her address, Talla quoted the late President Ahmed Sékou Touré, saying, "We prefer poverty in freedom to opulence in slavery." She established a direct link between this historical struggle and the orientations given by Presidents Assimi Goïta and Mamadi Doumbouya. This quote resonated with the Guinean deputies and dignitaries present.
Talla expressed Mali's gratitude towards Guinea for its position during the ECOWAS-imposed economic blockade on Bamako. She acknowledged that the Guinean government's refusal to close its borders with Mali was a courageous and fraternal act. This gesture of solidarity has left a lasting impression on the Malian people.
The CNT vice-president also addressed urgent sub-regional challenges, including the fight against terrorism and trans-border crime. She called for enhanced security synergy and a greater role for parliaments in addressing these threats. Talla emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, describing it as a "diplomacy of the people" that can maintain dialogue when traditional state diplomacy fails.
Talla shared Mali's institutional reforms, including transparency, internal regulation, and deontology. She also commended the modernization initiatives undertaken by the Guinean National Assembly under Dr. Dansa Kourouma's leadership. Both countries aim to leverage inter-parliamentary cooperation to stabilize the region and build a solidary, prosperous Africa.
The visit by Talla and her delegation underscores the strong ties between Mali and Guinea. The two countries seek to strengthen their partnership and cooperation in various areas, including security, diplomacy, and economic development. This strengthened cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on the region.
Key points
- Mali and Guinea have a long-standing relationship based on shared history and vision.
- Guinea's solidarity with Mali during the ECOWAS sanctions was a significant gesture of fraternity.
- The two countries aim to enhance cooperation in security, diplomacy, and economic development to stabilize the region.
