Mali: The creation of the COS, a new era in the struggle for security and peace
In an increasingly volatile security context, Mali has taken a decisive step in its fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the government announced the creation of a Special Operations Command (COS), a unified structure designed to maximize the effectiveness of elite units operating in the field. This initiative reflects the Malian authorities’ determination to restore peace and stability across the entire national territory.
Until now, Mali’s special forces operated in a fragmented manner, limiting their impact. With this reform, four elite units—a special forces battalion, a counterterrorism force, an airborne intervention unit, and a reconnaissance group—will now operate under a single command. Equipped with an operational planning center, the COS will ensure better coordination, enhanced logistics, and greater responsiveness to threats.
This reform is part of a broader effort to modernize the Malian Armed Forces. Since the withdrawal of French troops and the strengthening of strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, Mali has refocused its defense policy on national sovereignty. The COS embodies this commitment to regaining full control over internal security through better-organized, more agile local forces.
The creation of the COS comes at a critical time. In early June 2025, several terrorist attacks struck the north and center of the country, underscoring the urgent need for a more effective military response. The authorities are counting on this new structure to curb violence, secure the most exposed regions, and lay the groundwork for lasting stabilization.
Although challenges remain significant, this initiative marks a turning point in Mali’s security strategy. By unifying and professionalizing its special forces, the government hopes not only to neutralize armed groups but also to create the conditions for a return to normal life for affected populations.
With the creation of the COS, Mali asserts its determination to defeat terrorism through sovereign and innovative means. This reform, a symbol of resilience, could well be a decisive step toward lasting peace.
