“I am aware that am a mortal, I am not perfect. History will judge me one day, but until then all I ask for is your support” – Colonel Assimi Goïta (28.01.2022).
Colonel Assimi Goïta is proving to be a tough nut to crack. As he was able to lead to coup d’etat’s and hold on to transitional power. That is the sort of army commander but also leader he is. Right now his in open conflict with the neo-colonial French and other foreigners who interfere in Mali. In such a manner, which few have seen over the years. That being sending Danish troops home or asking for French troops to leave and banishing the French Ambassador to the country. While also summing foreign media houses as well.
At this very point, the leadership of Bamako is changing. The National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) isn’t like any of it’s predecessors and it seems like it’s not window-dressing. No, these actions seems to be legit and with enforcing it too. It seems like the Colonel is listening the public who has demonstrated against the former colonial power and their interference, which has been prolonged and their lack oversight, as they are superior to the nation they are stationed at. Therefore, Goïta the unelected army commander is listening to the pleas of the general, in a manner, which the former elected leadership didn’t. That says a lot and he gains international reputation for doing so at the same time.
As he has recently said this to the world:
“I did not choose this path on my own. She imposed herself on me. God alone knows what He’s doing. I will strive to get to the end, but if I die before reaching our goal, do continue the project without me and lay the groundwork for change with my blood and my flesh. No sacrifice is so much for this country. I am not Thomas Sankara, nor Jerry Rawlings. I am Assimi Goïta. Remember me as a reformer not a revolutionary. Remember me as the bearer of hope to the people, the one who came when your blood was shed for your desire for change. I will go to the end of my mission. I will never betray your trust” (Goïta, 28.01.2022).
These words shows his fierce resilience and will ahead. This is project and he does it with a goal. Clearly, the transition isn’t only for mere puppeteers of others, but for something bigger. That’s why his challenging the French and others who are interfering. That’s why he speaks of sacrifice, because this fight and choices will cost. Not only on the battlefield itself, but on the negotiating table. As he has to forfeit possible donations or funds, as the French might not support projects and such. That is the price his willing to take.. Clearly he has envisioned this and that it will cost.
“Death doesn’t scare me, I saw it every day on the battlefield, it’s failure that scares me. If death marries me on the way to our target, do not mourn me. Don’t make my grave a sanctuary. I did what I thought was right for my country. I did it for me but I did it for you too. I am Assimi, the man who smiles every day with death” (Goïta, 28.01.2022).
He ends with the final end of life, which we all will greet at one point or another. Where he hopes he did the right thing and fought the good battle. That says a lot about him. People have certainly underestimated him. That was shown as he was able to take total control and also regain more power. As he saw the ones taking power after the first coup not fulfilling their mission.
Goïta has a plan. It seem that his challenging the French and neo-colonial powers interfering. That is obvious. However, will continue further like ceasing the CFA in Mali or is it only about the military power he cares about? Because, if he clearly intends to leave France and the French interests alone. He should go for the pocket too… This is clearly a beginning and it will cause a stir. The West might feel butt-hurt, but they should be diplomatic about it. As they have overstayed and done so, often without a mandate or an invitation. Therefore, the CNSP is only doing what any sovereign nation would do. The ones Paris might feel humiliated, but they have shot people and never even said “sorry” and moved their troops like nothing. That’s why we know how they value or concerned about their implications in their former colonies.
So, the CNSP and Goïta is doing the right thing. It will cost and will be a sacrifice. Especially, if the Bamako leadership dares to go after the bank and the financial polices of Paris. If they do that after all the hurdles of military operations in Sahel. Than Goïta have been a titan and is steering the republic in a new direction. Peace.
MinBane 