• The 2025–2026 Government Action Plan includes the recruitment of 24,000 military and security personnel.

• Mali allocated $1.11 billion to defense in 2024 amid persistent instability.

• The plan includes a national military industry and infrastructure development to support armed forces.

Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga has announced the recruitment of 24,000 personnel to strengthen national defense and security. The announcement was made during the presentation of the Government Action Plan (PAG) for 2025–2026 on Friday, May 16, 2025, as reported by national broadcaster ORTM.

Structured around eight priority areas, the PAG places defense and security at the forefront. Maïga outlined plans to recruit and train 15,000 military personnel, acquire new major equipment and materials, and build military camps to support the operations of defense and security forces.

In parallel, the government will hire 9,000 security force agents to improve road surveillance and conduct large-scale patrols nationwide, ensuring the free movement of people and goods.

“The government remains committed to maintaining territorial integrity and the security of people and their property in the face of multiple challenges such as terrorism and transnational crime,” Maïga said.

The announcement comes amid ongoing insecurity. In 2024, Mali faced frequent clashes between its security forces and armed groups, road blockades in the north and center, and tensions in the southern regions.

These recruitment plans are part of broader efforts to enhance national security. In 2024, Mali allocated $1.11 billion to its defense budget.

Separately, President Assimi Goïta announced in January the planned creation of a national military industry by 2025. The initiative is intended to build the capacities of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and contribute to the modernization of military infrastructure.

Beyond defense, the Government Action Plan includes commitments to political and institutional reforms, fulfillment of basic public needs, and expansion of health coverage. The plan is pending approval by the National Transition Council.