09 December 2025

The Malian Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernisation (MCENMA) recently held a strategic meeting to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of government messaging.

The gathering brought together communication officials from all ministries, along with representatives from the Malian Broadcasting and Television Office (ORTM), the Malian Press and Advertising Agency (AMAP), and the National Communication Agency for Development (ANCD).

Participants focused on harmonising public messages and devising strategies to better promote government actions. In his address, Minister of Communication Alhamdou Ag Ilyène underscored the evolving nature of threats facing Mali, highlighting that contemporary attacks are no longer solely military but increasingly media-driven, digital, and psychological. He stressed that “the country’s first line of defense is the word of the State—a clear, credible, and unified message.” The minister called on communication officers to speak with one voice, emphasising discipline and consistency, and reminded them that “every ministry, every spokesperson, every public communicator represents the credibility of government action.”

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reinforce the cohesion and coordination of Mali’s government communication strategy. The goal is to share best practices, improve institutional responsiveness, and develop a unified approach that effectively addresses current challenges in public communication, according to a MCENMA press release.

Alhamdou Ag Ilyène pointed out that Mali is currently facing a “veritable information war,” citing recent reports from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies published in 2022 and 2024. These reports reveal a fourfold increase in disinformation campaigns across Africa during this period, with West Africa being the most targeted region, accounting for 40% of these campaigns.