BAMAKO, MALI — Armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and advanced weaponry are on display in Bamako this week as Mali hosts its second BAMEX International Defence and Security Exhibition, underscoring regional efforts to combat militant violence.
Military personnel and international delegations gathered at the exhibition hall on Monday to inspect hardware ranging from tactical drones and precision missiles to firearms and munitions. Featuring exhibitors and representatives from more than 40 countries, the event runs until 13 November.
Malian Armed Forces official Mohamed Ly noted that the second edition of BAMEX has evolved beyond static equipment displays into a world-class forum exploring cutting-edge military technology.
“Today artificial intelligence is used in every field, but particularly in the military sector, where it makes a difference,” Ly said. “Robots are controlled by algorithms and computer programmes, and today there is no better computer programme for controlling them than artificial intelligence.”
Jacqueline Konate Sogoba, head of Mali’s AI and Robotics Centre, emphasised how emerging technologies bolster counter-terrorism operations.
“Artificial intelligence can be very useful in the fight against terrorism in Mali through systems such as drones, which can help detect suspects from a distance and allow us to act in time without necessarily being close to the action,” she explained, adding that such technological superiority helps anticipate attacks.
The show is being held against the backdrop of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger increasing their security collaboration under the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023.
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