Dr. Ahmadou Touré, a renowned teacher and researcher in public governance, has recently published a book titled "Sovereignty and State Refoundation in Mali (2020-2026): Towards the Alliance of Sahel States". The 150-page book, published by Éditions "Prostyle", examines Mali's path towards sovereignty and state refoundation since the August 18, 2020 coup. As the director of the Center for Research on Governance, Mediation, and Security in the Sahel, Dr. Touré offers an in-depth analysis of the country's transition.
The book is divided into three parts, with the first part focusing on the foundations of Mali's refoundation. Dr. Touré identifies the crisis of 2020 as a series of simultaneous events, including insecurity in the north and center, protests against the regime of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, corruption, youth unemployment, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Committee for the People's Salvation (CNSP), led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, emerged as a popular and military response. The book highlights the importance of the Transition Charter and the National Assemblies of Refoundation.
The second part of the book assesses Mali's territorial reconquest. Dr. Touré notes that the modernization of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), recruitment drives, drone deployment, and tactical groupings paved the way for the recapture of Kidal on November 14, 2023. This marked the end of de facto occupation and the Algiers Agreements. However, the author also acknowledges the limitations of this initiative, citing insufficient personnel, community mistrust, and budget constraints.
The third part of the book expands on the Sahel region, highlighting the adoption of the Liptako-Gourma Charter on September 16, 2023. This charter established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Dr. Touré argues that the AES is gradually transforming into an operational confederation, with a unified force, investment bank, permanent secretariat, and a nascent parliament.
Dr. Touré's book offers a comprehensive analysis of Mali's journey towards sovereignty and state refoundation. The author draws on official Malian sources, international reports, and recent academic literature to support his hypothesis that refoundation is not merely a military parenthesis but a sovereignist rupture that can inspire other African trajectories.
The book is now available in local bookstores and directly from the author and Éditions "Prostyle" at a price of 15,000 Fcfa. Dr. Touré's work provides valuable insights into Mali's recent history and its implications for the Sahel region.
Key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and students, will find Dr. Touré's book essential for understanding the complexities of Mali's transition and the evolving dynamics of the Sahel region. The book's findings and recommendations are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on sovereignty, state refoundation, and regional cooperation.
Key points
- Dr. Ahmadou Touré's book provides an in-depth analysis of Mali's journey towards sovereignty and state refoundation from 2020-2026.
- The book examines the country's transition, including the role of the National Committee for the People's Salvation and the Alliance of Sahel States.
- The author argues that Mali's refoundation is a sovereignist rupture that can inspire other African trajectories.
