Mali Appoints Brigadier General Famouké Camara to Lead ‘Fuga Kènè’ Special Operation Against Economic Terrorism
In a decisive move to counter the growing threat of economic destabilization, the Malian Armed Forces General Staff has appointed Brigadier General Famouké Camara as the commander of the newly established Autonomous Special Operation, Fuga Kènè. The appointment, formalized by decision N°00653/CEMGA/S-CEM-OPS/COIA on October 21, 2025, signals a significant escalation in the nation’s security strategy, placing a seasoned officer at the helm of a critical mission to safeguard the country’s economic lifelines.
A Strategic Pivot in Mali’s Security Doctrine
The creation of Fuga Kènè—a name resonating with purpose in local languages—represents more than just another military operation. It is a strategic pivot, a clear acknowledgment that the threats facing Mali have evolved. No longer confined to isolated insurgent attacks, the conflict has morphed into a deliberate campaign to strangle the nation’s economy. How does a nation fight an enemy that targets not just people and places, but its very means of survival and development?
This new operation is the Malian military’s answer. By designating it as “Autonomous” and “Special,” the high command is empowering General Camara with the operational independence and specialized resources needed to conduct agile, intelligence-driven missions. The objective is unambiguous: to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the networks responsible for attacking economic infrastructure, disrupting trade routes, and instilling fear in the commercial and agricultural sectors. The stability of markets and the flow of goods are now officially recognized as a national security priority of the highest order.
The Man for the Moment: Brigadier General Famouké Camara
At the center of this ambitious undertaking is Brigadier General Famouké Camara, a figure whose career has been a steady ascent through the ranks, marked by competence and dedication. Currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the National Guard, General Camara brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and field experience to his new role. His career trajectory is not one of sudden promotion, but of exemplary service that has prepared him for a command of this magnitude.
Those familiar with the inner workings of the Malian military describe General Camara as a pragmatic and resolute leader. His previous responsibilities within the National Guard, a force integral to internal security and the protection of institutions, have provided him with an intimate understanding of the complex, hybrid nature of the threats facing Mali. He is seen as an officer who understands that winning battles is only part of the equation; securing the peace and enabling economic life to flourish is the ultimate victory.
The Economic Frontline: A Battle for Mali’s Future
So, what exactly constitutes an “attack on the economy” in the context of modern Mali? The manifestations are varied and devastating. It includes the targeting of key transportation corridors, where trucks carrying vital supplies are ambushed. It involves the intimidation and extortion of farmers, preventing them from tending their fields and bringing produce to market. It encompasses attacks on critical infrastructure and the imposition of illegal taxes on commerce, creating a climate of fear that stifles investment and entrepreneurship.
These are not random acts of violence; they are calculated tactics in an economic war. The goal is to cripple the state’s ability to provide for its citizens, to erode public confidence, and to drain the national treasury. The human cost is immeasurable, leading to food insecurity, rising prices, and the collapse of local economies. By launching Fuga Kènè, the Malian state is drawing a line in the sand, declaring that this form of warfare will be met with a focused and powerful response.
Operational Challenges and Strategic Implications
The mandate of Fuga Kènè is fraught with challenges. The enemy is often shadowy, embedded within local populations, and highly mobile. Differentiating between combatants and civilians, while gathering actionable intelligence, will be a monumental task. General Camara’s forces will need to operate with precision, leveraging technology, human intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation to be effective.
Furthermore, the success of this operation will depend on its ability to operate in synergy with other military and governmental initiatives. It cannot exist in a vacuum. Close coordination with regional commands, intelligence agencies, and even local governance structures will be the linchpin of its effectiveness. The operation must also navigate the delicate balance between assertive military action and the imperative of winning the trust of local communities, who are ultimately the key to lasting security.
A Nation’s Resolve Embodied in a Mission
The appointment of General Camara and the launch of Fuga Kènè send a powerful message of resolve, both domestically and internationally. For the people of Mali, it is a signal that their government is taking direct, tangible steps to protect their livelihoods. For the perpetrators of economic terrorism, it is a warning that their strategy of attrition is being met with a new, dedicated force.
As General Camara assumes his command, the eyes of the nation are upon him. The path ahead is undoubtedly difficult, paved with both seen and unseen dangers. Yet, in this new phase of Mali’s long-standing security crisis, there is a clear recognition that the battlefield has expanded. Protecting the economy is now synonymous with protecting the nation itself. The success of Fuga Kènè will be measured not just in militants neutralized, but in markets thriving, roads open for business, and farmers returning to their fields without fear.
Original reporting by Mahamane Touré for Nouvel Horizon.