Mali asks Uganda to increase military training slots for FAMa

BY DIRAMAKINI

THE Representative of the Chief of General Staff of the Mali Armed Forces (FAMa), Brig Gen Alou Boi Diarra, has requested Uganda to increase training assistance slots offered to FAMa officers.

Brig Gen Diarra made the request during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the sidelines of the Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) conference in Kampala, Uganda.

He thanked Gen Kainerugaba for inviting the Mali delegation to the conference and appreciated Uganda's "unmatched hospitality and strong pan-African spirit."

Brig Gen Diarra briefed the CDF on the security situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region and expressed gratitude to the UPDF and the Government of Uganda for the training assistance extended to FAMa.

He noted that Ugandan-trained FAMa officers are now commanding and training their colleagues back home, a testament to the impact of the partnership.

In response, Gen Kainerugaba thanked Brig Gen Diarra and the FAMa leadership for honouring his invitation and reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to supporting other African armies in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Gen Kainerugaba said he was impressed by the close relationship between the armies and governments of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, noting that the strong integration demonstrated by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is what many other African countries are still struggling to create.

"The future of Africa lies in the federation of small armies and jointly contributing to the development of Africans," Gen Kainerugaba said.

He extended an invitation to the leaders of FAMa and the Government of Mali to visit Uganda.

All photos credit by UPDF.

The two military leaders agreed that regular exchange of visits, ideas, training, commerce and social interactions between African peoples is what will create bonding and help Africa achieve the Pan-African dream. (UPDF)