Mali revamps defense and security framework after 22 years

After two decades under the 2004 National Defense Law, Mali is set to implement a sweeping revision that expands the scope of national security to include internal security, cyberspace, and crisis management. The new framework, endorsed by the National Transitional Council (NTC), redefines strategic decision-making, operational command, and the roles of territorial actors.

The updated legislation, passed in July 2026 by the 125 voting members of the NTC, will replace Law No. 04-051 of November 23, 2004, once officially promulgated and published. Addressing the Council, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, Minister of Security and Civil Protection, emphasized the necessity of this overhaul due to over two decades of implementation and the evolving security landscape. He also highlighted that security stakeholders were actively involved in the preparatory stages to ensure an inclusive reform process.

The 2004 framework, while primarily military-oriented, already addressed internal security, civil defense, and the participation of local authorities, civil society, and communities. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces led military operations and held authority over certain security forces during territorial defense scenarios.

Comprehensive security approach

The reform does not introduce entirely new responsibilities but consolidates, clarifies, and adapts them to modern threats. Internal security and cyber defense are now explicitly recognized as core components of national security. The National Security Council and the National Defense Committee replace the former Supreme Defense Council and Defense Committee to enhance strategic guidance and coordination under the President’s leadership.

The operational command structure is now unified under the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces within the territorial defense framework. This ensures quicker responses when multiple forces are deployed against attacks, major crises, or transborder threats. However, the Police, Gendarmerie, National Guard, and Civil Protection are not permanently placed under military command.

The reform also acknowledges changes introduced between the two laws. Since 2022, the National Police and Civil Protection have been militarized, facilitating their integration into a cohesive security apparatus while retaining their public safety and emergency response missions.

Strengthening governance and cooperation

General Daoud Aly Mohammedine underscored three key priorities during his address to the NTC: reinforcing territorial administration, involving traditional leaders in counterterrorism efforts, and continuing force recruitment and equipping initiatives. These goals align 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 objective is to streamline early warning systems from the municipal level without turning citizens into auxiliary forces.

Cybersecurity: a new frontier

A parallel reform addresses cybersecurity. In June, the government enacted laws establishing the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), as outlined in the 2026–2030 National Cybersecurity Strategy. The ANSSI is tasked with coordinating responses to cyberattacks and safeguarding critical infrastructure and services. While cyber defense falls under strategic state protection, cyberspace security encompasses broader administrative, network, and electronic communication safeguards.

Additionally, the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Initiative (DDR-I) serves as a pilot coordination effort. On August 4, 254 recruits from various armed groups were integrated into the Armed Forces following training in Soufouroulaye. The program aims to integrate 2,000 ex-combatants and reintegrate 1,000 others socioeconomically. Although not legally tied to the new law, this initiative demands collaboration among Defense, Security, Reconciliation, and territorial authorities.

Measuring success

The effectiveness of this reform hinges less on its terminology and more on its execution. Implementation decrees, intelligence sharing, local government resources, cyber capabilities, integration monitoring, and clearly defined responsibilities will be pivotal. The reform establishes a chain of command whose success will be judged by decision-making speed, on-the-ground coordination, and trust among institutions, forces, and the public.