Mali has revealed that it allocates 25% of its annual budget to security measures, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in the face of terrorism threats.
This disclosure was made during a meeting with Ghana’s ECOWAS delegation, led by Hon. Alexander Kwabena Afenyo-Markin, the 3rd Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin questioned the sustainability of such a significant investment in security, wondering if it might divert funds from other essential sectors.
He also inquired about potential mistrust in ECOWAS intervention for political stability, given Mali’s decision to spend heavily on security.
In response, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Diop, emphasized that the investment in security is crucial for the country’s existence, stating that it is imperative to prioritize security to protect Mali’s stability and sovereignty.
The high level of security spending highlights the challenges faced by Mali and other countries in the region in addressing terrorism threats while balancing development needs.
