Twenty-two years after its initial defense law, Mali is rolling out a comprehensive overhaul of its security and defense architecture. The newly adopted framework expands beyond traditional military concerns to include internal security, cyber defense, and holistic crisis management. Enacted by the National Transitional Council in July 2026, this legislation will supersede the 2004 law once officially promulgated and published.
The Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, addressed the Council members, emphasizing the necessity of this reform due to over two decades of evolving security challenges. He highlighted the inclusive approach taken, involving all security stakeholders in the preparatory phases to ensure broad consensus on the changes.
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The 2004 framework, while comprehensive, primarily centered on military operations and defense. It did, however, outline internal security, civil defense, and the roles of local governments, civil society, and communities. Under this system, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces led military operations and held authority over certain security forces during territorial defense situations.
Comprehensive Security Approach
Rather than introducing entirely new responsibilities, the reform aims to consolidate, clarify, and modernize existing frameworks. Internal security and cyber defense are now explicitly recognized as vital components of national security. The National Security Council and the National Defense Committee replace previous bodies, strengthening centralized leadership under the Head of State.
The reform institutionalizes unified operational command under the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces for territorial defense. This ensures faster, more coordinated responses when multiple forces are deployed against attacks, major crises, or transnational threats. Importantly, this does not mean placing the Police, Gendarmerie, National Guard, and Civil Protection under permanent military command.
Since 2022, the National Police and Civil Protection have undergone militarization, a shift that enhances their integration into security operations while preserving their core missions in public safety and emergency response. General Daoud Aly Mohammedine underscored three critical priorities during his address to the Council: bolstering territorial administration, leveraging traditional legitimacy in counter-terrorism efforts, and continuing the recruitment and equipping of security forces.
This aligns with the expanded role of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, which now oversees civil defense, coordinates decentralized services, engages local governments, and mobilizes communities. The goal is to establish an early warning system rooted in local municipalities without transforming civilians into auxiliary forces.
Cyber Defense and Ground Operations
The expansion into cyber defense is accompanied by a separate legislative push. In June, the government adopted measures to establish the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), as outlined in the 2026–2030 National Cybersecurity Strategy. The ANSSI will spearhead responses to cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure and services, positioning cyber defense as a strategic state priority while broader cybersecurity covers administrative, network, and electronic communication systems.
The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Initiative (DDR-I) serves as a real-world test of inter-agency coordination. On August 4, 254 recruits from various armed groups completed training in Soufouroulaye and officially joined the Armed Forces. The program aims to integrate 2,000 former combatants and reintegrate 1,000 others socioeconomically. While not directly tied to the new law, this initiative underscores the need for seamless collaboration among Defense, Security, Reconciliation, and local authorities.
The success of this strategic overhaul hinges not on the names of new structures but on the effectiveness of their implementation. Key factors will include the timeliness of operational texts, intelligence sharing, local government capabilities, cyber expertise, integration monitoring, and clearly defined roles. The reform establishes a new chain of command, the impact of which will be measured by decision-making speed, on-ground coordination, and the trust forged between institutions, security forces, and the public.
