Beyond Solidarity: Mali’s Role in Shaping a New African Agenda for Terrorism Victims

An analysis of the high-stakes diplomatic and humanitarian discussions at the Rabat conference, where nations like Mali seek tangible solutions for millions affected by violent extremism.

RABAT, Morocco – The recent Conference on African Victims of Terrorism in Rabat concluded with more than declarations of sympathy. For participating nations like Mali, represented by Minister of Reconciliation Ismaël Wagué, the forum became a critical platform to advocate for a fundamental shift from rhetoric to actionable policy for millions scarred by violent extremism.

A Sahelian Perspective in the Conference Hall

Mali’s presence, led by General Wagué and including senior military and civilian aides, was symbolically and substantively significant. As a nation in the volatile Sahel region—a hotspot for jihadist activity linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State—Mali embodies the conference’s central challenge. The delegation’s participation in sessions on justice, reparations, and victim resilience brought firsthand experience from one of the continent’s most affected zones to the negotiating table.

The resulting Rabat Declaration, crafted in partnership with the United Nations, calls for enhanced international solidarity and the integration of victims’ needs into national counter-terrorism strategies. However, analysts note the real test lies in implementation, particularly for states like Mali grappling with limited resources and ongoing instability.

The Unspoken Gaps: Funding, the AU, and Geopolitics

Beneath the consensus, the conference revealed fissures and omissions that will define the future of this initiative. The notable absence of the African Union (AU) from the proceedings raised questions about continental coordination and ownership of the victim-support agenda. This gap may complicate efforts to create the proposed dedicated African working group, a key recommendation from the event.

Furthermore, discussions on vigilance against terrorist financing touched a raw nerve. For Sahelian states, this issue is inextricably linked to transnational crime, informal economies, and regional instability. Effective action requires international cooperation that often clashes with sovereign sensitivities.

Diplomatic Undercurrents and the Road to Baghdad

The conference also served as a subtle stage for regional diplomacy. Statements in support of Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara by fellow Sahel states Burkina Faso and Niger highlighted evolving political alignments. For Mali, navigating these diplomatic currents while focusing on the core humanitarian mission requires a delicate balance.

A significant forward-looking announcement came from Iraq, which will host the third edition of the conference in Baghdad in 2026. This move globalizes the forum, linking Africa’s struggle with the Middle East’s long experience with terrorism and post-conflict recovery. It presents an opportunity for Mali and other African nations to learn from Iraqi models of victim compensation and psychological support, however imperfect.

From Rabat to Reality: What Success Looks Like for Mali

For Minister Wagué’s team, success will be measured not in declarations but in changes on the ground. This means translating the Rabat recommendations into:

• Concrete funding mechanisms for victim compensation and medical care within Mali’s national budget and through international partners.
• Integrated psychosocial support programs that are accessible in remote, conflict-affected communities.
• Strengthened legal frameworks that guarantee victims’ rights to justice and truth, a complex endeavor in areas where state authority is contested.

The minister’s sidelined visit to his alma mater, the Royal Air School of Marrakech, underscored the personal and professional networks that underpin such international cooperation. These relationships are often the glue that holds multilateral policy agreements together.

Conclusion: The Long Path from Acknowledgment to Healing

The Rabat conference marked an important step in placing the plight of African victims on the international agenda. However, as Mali’s experience starkly illustrates, the path from acknowledgment to healing is long and fraught with political, financial, and security challenges. The creation of a sustained, African-led working group, as proposed, will be the first real indicator of whether the solidarity expressed in Rabat can evolve into a transformative force for millions awaiting redress.

Primary Source: This analysis was developed using the official report from the Malian Ministry of Reconciliation, Peace, and National Cohesion, available at Bamada.net.