On October 8, 2026, Malian President Assimi Goïta, accompanied by several high-ranking officials, paid a visit to Namory Keïta, the oldest resident of Bamako's District, who is 114 years old. The visit was part of the 31st edition of the Solidarity Month, a period dedicated to promoting solidarity and social cohesion in Mali. During the visit, President Goïta presented Keïta with traditional gifts, including a basket of kola nuts, a blanket, a prayer mat, and a hat.
The visit took place in Djicoroni Para, in Commune IV of Bamako, where Keïta resides. The President was accompanied by Minister of Health and Social Development, Colonel-major Assa Badiallo Touré, the Governor of Bamako District, and other local authorities. The event was also attended by traditional leaders and local administrators. According to the President, the visit aimed to honor Keïta and highlight the importance of solidarity in Malian culture.
Namory Keïta was born in 1912 in Komanfara, a village in the Siby commune of the Mandé region. He is married with 12 children and several grandchildren. Despite his advanced age, Keïta is said to have a remarkable memory and follows current events with great interest. During the visit, he expressed his gratitude to President Goïta and offered prayers for peace and stability in Mali.
Keïta also praised the Malian army's return to Kidal, a region that has been affected by terrorism in recent years. He extended his condolences to the families of civilian and military victims of terrorism and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in combat. In response, President Goïta wished Keïta a long and healthy life and thanked him for his words of encouragement.
The visit was an opportunity for President Goïta to emphasize the importance of solidarity in Malian society. He stressed that solidarity is a fundamental value that should be promoted not only during Solidarity Month but throughout the year. The President's visit to Keïta was seen as a gesture of respect for the elderly and a recognition of their role in preserving Malian traditions and culture.
This year's Solidarity Month is themed "Solidarity, a lever for promoting culture and civic education." The event aims to promote social cohesion and highlight the importance of solidarity in building a more equitable society. Through initiatives like this visit, the Malian government seeks to foster a sense of community and social responsibility among its citizens.
The President's visit to Namory Keïta concluded with a symbolic gesture, as Keïta received a ram and an envelope from the President. The visit was widely seen as a heartwarming gesture of respect and appreciation for Mali's elderly population.
Key points
- President Goïta visited 114-year-old Namory Keïta in Bamako as part of Solidarity Month.
