Following a recent gathering of defense ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Bassolma Bazié, president of the CN-CES, lauded the unwavering commitment and profound sacrifices made by the Defense and Security Forces across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This robust commendation was paired with a discourse emphasizing the imperative of defending territorial integrity, safeguarding local populations, and achieving a sovereignty often described as historic.
Yet, this official narrative prompts a pressing inquiry that resonates increasingly among the populace: do these pronouncements of satisfaction truly align with the daily experiences confronting citizens?
Since the inception of the AES, authorities in the three nations have consistently highlighted a newfound sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Nevertheless, on the ground, numerous communities continue to grapple with armed assaults, mass displacements, and a pervasive insecurity that remains a formidable obstacle. In this challenging environment, repeated tributes to security forces, while undeniably merited given the sacrifices of the soldiers, fall short of addressing the expectations of citizens, who ultimately judge by tangible results.
This disconnect becomes particularly stark when one considers the human toll of the ongoing crisis. While armed forces endure immense hardship and perish on the front lines, the daily existence for civilian populations is a harrowing struggle for survival. Thousands of families are compelled to abandon their homes, seeking refuge en masse in neighboring countries, desperate for the peace and security their own states can no longer guarantee. The sight of citizens transformed into refugees beyond their borders stands as the clearest evidence that the sovereignty celebrated in ministerial chambers remains an elusive concept for those who bear the brunt of the conflict.
In the face of such exodus and tragic losses, the stance of leaders, who primarily offer official eulogies and repetitive posthumous speeches, raises a blunt question: can such conduct genuinely secure the population or halt the relentless casualties? The unfolding events suggest otherwise. Funeral tributes and medals do not fortify front lines, protect isolated villages, nor resurrect lost lives. By merely commemorating the sacrifice of soldiers instead of rectifying the strategic deficiencies that contribute to their demise, political action appears to dissolve into symbolism, leaving the underlying causes of insecurity unaddressed.
The fundamental mission of any defense policy, however, remains the tangible improvement of public safety. When civilians continue to live under the specter of attacks, when certain areas remain largely inaccessible, and when humanitarian crises persist, rhetoric proclaiming successes in security strategy can appear profoundly detached from the realities on the ground.
The notion of a “real sovereignty” also warrants critical examination. For many observers, sovereignty is not solely measured by the assertion of political or diplomatic independence. It is also assessed by a state’s capacity to ensure security, guarantee free movement, protect essential public services, and offer prospects of stability to its citizens. Across these vital indicators, the challenges within the Sahelian region, including in Mali and other West African nations, remain substantial.
The military personnel engaged in combat frequently pay a heavy price, and their dedication is widely acknowledged. Yet, honoring soldiers does not absolve political leaders of their duty to critically evaluate the implemented strategies. The sacrifices made by the armed forces should be accompanied by transparent deliberation on the efficacy of military and political choices, to ascertain whether stated objectives are genuinely being met.
Ultimately, the most profound way to honor defense forces extends beyond official pronouncements. It lies, above all, in cultivating conditions for a lasting improvement in security and the daily lives of the population. As long as inhabitants continue to suffer the consequences of insecurity, declarations celebrating a fully achieved sovereignty risk being met with deep skepticism by a significant portion of the public.