Mali receives Turkish drones to boost security, fight terrorism
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Mali has taken delivery of drones from Turkey to boost its security, especially in the fight against terrorism.
The President of the Transition of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, on Thursday handed over new Bayraktar TB2 drones to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Alou Boï Diarra, during a ceremony at the presidential pavilion of the President Modibo Kéïta Sénou international airport.
This new equipment provided by Turkey, the cost of which has not been specified, is known for its operational capacity in combat and for intelligence, a military source said, explaining that it will make it possible to strengthen the air force.
According to the Malian Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Colonel Sadio Camara, "the Malian Armed Forces have been equipped and continue to be equipped for two years with the most sophisticated equipment, from individual weapons and equipment to land combat vehicles, airspace surveillance radars, fighter planes, combat and manoeuvering helicopters, reconnaissance and attack drones".
He said that last year the level reached by the Army enabled the country to complete the withdrawal of the Barkane and UN peacekeeping forces (MINUSMA) which were ineffective in the face of the hybrid armed groups using the modes of action of terrorism to serve well-disguised interests.
According to Colonel Camara if "the negligence of continental and sub-regional organisations has made it impossible to apply African solutions to African problems, here in Mali, everything will now be done to find Malian solutions to Malian problems".
He also thanked the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China and the Turkey for their "loyal and sincere cooperation" and who continue to place "their trust" in Mali.
Among those present at the ceremony were the president of the National Transitional Council (transitional parliament), Colonel Malick Diaw, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga, several members of the government as well as diplomats.
-0- PANA GT/JSG/BBA/MA 6Jan2024
