The Council of Ministers of Mali, under the presidency of General Assimi Goita, met in a regular session on November 6, 2026, at the Palace of Koulouba. During the meeting, the Council adopted several projects, made nominations, and heard communications. One of the key decisions was the adoption of a draft decree authorizing the opening of additional credits in the 2026 state budget. This move aims to address urgent needs, including the construction of hospitals and other priority projects.
The Council adopted a draft decree opening 125 billion CFA francs in credits to cover additional needs for hospital construction, priority projects, and new personnel expenses. This decision was made under the law organique relative aux lois de Finances, which allows for such advances in cases of urgency and national interest. The Parliament will be informed immediately, and a bill for ratification will be submitted in the next session.
The Council also adopted projects related to the creation, organization, and functioning of the National Directorate of Borders. These projects aim to correct insufficiencies in border management, including weak strategic leadership and coordination. The new texts provide for the necessary personnel for the next five years and establish a Commission nationale des Frontières to assist in implementing the national border policy.
The Commission nationale des Frontières was established in 2003 to assist the minister in charge of borders. The new draft decree adopted by the Council strengthens its missions and broadens its composition to include other stakeholders. This move aims to enhance border management and align with recommendations from national dialogues.
In terms of individual measures, the Council made a nomination: Sidiki dit Youssouf Dembele, a journalist and filmmaker, was appointed as Communication Counselor at the Malian Embassy in Abuja. This appointment reflects the government's efforts to strengthen its diplomatic representation abroad.
The Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization informed the Council about Mali's participation in the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, held in Geneva from October 12 to 16, 2026. The minister emphasized the need to strengthen protection for displaced persons, coordinate international solidarity, and align humanitarian interventions with Mali's vision.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reported on the outcomes of the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit, held in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026. The summit focused on mutually beneficial cooperation and Africa's potential. Mali's President reaffirmed the country's commitment to sovereignty, mutual respect, and cooperation, while emphasizing the need for African countries to strengthen economic and financial autonomy.
Key points
- The Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree opening 125 billion CFA francs in credits for priority projects.
- The Council strengthened the missions and composition of the Commission nationale des Frontières.
- Mali's President participated in the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit, focusing on cooperation and Africa's development.
