Mali: The squares ‘Mali Cɛbaw’ and ‘Mali Kɛlɛmasaw’ inaugurated, a powerful act for memorial sovereignty
On Thursday, the President of the Transition, Head of State, His Excellency General Assimi Goïta, presided over a deeply symbolic ceremony: the inauguration of “Mali Cɛbaw” (Great Men of Mali) Square and “Mali Kɛlɛmasaw” (War Chiefs) Square.
This significant initiative, part of a broader effort to revalorize the nation’s toponymic heritage, represents far more than a simple name change.
It is a profound political and cultural act aimed at reaffirming the sovereignty of Mali over its own narrative, rehabilitating its collective memory, and anchoring in public space the figures who have shaped its destiny.
Located in Koulouba, “Mali Cɛbaw” Square replaces the former “Explorers’ Square.”
This new name celebrates the great civilian, intellectual, political, and spiritual figures who, through their wisdom, vision, and work, built the foundations of the Malian nation across the ages.
It thus honors the rich historical continuity of the country, extending far beyond the colonial period.
Just steps away, “Mali Kɛlɛmasaw” square takes the place of the former “Square of the Governors of French Sudan.”
This designation highlights the legacy of war chiefs and military strategists who defended the integrity of the territory and led decisive struggles to preserve the independence and dignity of the Malian people.
It pays solemn homage to the resistance and bravery that have marked the country’s history, particularly against invading and occupying forces.
This dual inauguration embodies a clear will to “mentally decolonize” public space.
By replacing references linked to colonial exploration or administration with names rooted in Malian language and historiography, the Transition authorities are enacting an essential rebalancing of memory.
The goal is pedagogical: to offer present and future generations strong, inspiring, and intrinsically Malian identity markers.
These squares thus become sites of transmission, where every citizen can reconnect with the greatness of their past and draw renewed national pride from it.
In applauding this initiative, we recognize an important step in the long process of reclaiming total sovereignty.
A sovereignty that is not limited to political, economic, or security aspects, but one that also encompasses the inalienable right of a people to tell their own history, honor their own heroes, and name their own world.
“Mali Cɛbaw” and “Mali Kɛlɛmasaw” Squares are now much more than urban crossroads; they are open-air monuments dedicated to the resilient and proud soul of Mali.
Titi KEITA
