The Malian transitional government has officially launched, this Tuesday 11 February 2025, the DDR-1 (Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réinsertion) programme. This system aims to integrate into the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) combatants from armed groups, mainly from the north and centre of Mali. Initiated in 2015 in the framework of the Algiers Peace Agreement, the implementation of the DDR had so far been incomplete. However, with the breakdown of the agreement by the transitional authorities, this programme is now reserved for the so-called “republican” armed groups, i.e. those who have chosen to ally themselves with the Malian government. The objective stated by the authorities is to strengthen the national army’s effectiveness while promoting the stabilization of regions affected by insecurity. This initiative is part of the transitional regime’s desire to consolidate its control over the territory by integrating fighters ready to support the Malian State. The success of this new phase of the DDR-1 will nevertheless depend on the resources allocated, the selection of candidates and the army’s capacity to absorb these new recruits without weakening its internal cohesion.
Mali: The DDR-1 programme, a strategic lever to strengthen the army and stabilise the country
