The Malian army is celebrating its 65th anniversary. On this occasion, His Majesty Bamba, currently staying in an African capital, has published this tribute to congratulate his country's army. Read his full address below.
Address by His Majesty King Guide Bamba El Hadj Mahamed Npahi Sâanwi on the Occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa)
Malian women and men,
Brothers and sisters of the African Diaspora,
Peoples of Africa and friends of Mali,
On this 20th of January, a date of profound symbolic significance in our national history, I bow with respect and solemnity before the Malian Armed Forces, who today commemorate sixty-five years of existence, courage, and sacrifice in the service of the Nation.
In these challenging yet hopeful times, the FAMa stand as a bulwark of dignity, a force of resilience and reconquest, working tirelessly to preserve territorial integrity, ensure the security of our populations, and defend Mali’s sovereignty.
I pay a deep and everlasting tribute to all soldiers who fell on the field of honor.
Their shed blood is not in vain.
Their memory is a seed of freedom.
Their sacrifice binds the entire Nation to remain upright, united, and faithful to its values.
To their families, their widows, and their orphans, I extend the fraternal compassion of the King and the eternal gratitude of the people. Mali will never forget you.
To the women and men in uniform, engaged on operational fronts as well as in the quiet shadow of daily duty, I say: the Nation watches you, Africa supports you, and History will honor you.
As King of Mali, and as an African deeply committed to the unity of peoples, I reaffirm that security cannot be separated from lasting peace, tolerance, social cohesion, or equitable development.
Weapons may defend the land, but it is justice, solidarity, and fraternity that consolidate peace.
It is in this spirit that Massakunda finds its meaning—a vision of renewal, reconciliation, and the reappropriation of African values—where traditional royalty, far from opposing the Republic, places itself at the service of the people, stability, and the future of our nations.
Malians at home and in the Diaspora, let us remain united, vigilant, and supportive.
Let us turn our differences into strength.
Let us transform trials into lessons.
And together, let us build a strong, sovereign, respected, and prosperous Mali.
Honor to the Malian Armed Forces!
Honor to the martyrs of the Nation!
Long live a united and sovereign Mali!
Long live an Africa standing tall and reconciled!
His Majesty King Guide BAMBA El Hadj Mahamed Npahi Saanwi Supreme Chief of the UNITED KINGDOMS OF AFRICA "UKAF"
Precursor of the African Renaissance and the Royalty of MALI.
Initiator and Moral Authority of "MASSAKUNDA" the African Royalty at the service of the people
L'Afrique en marche No 1098
