On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Association of Female Customs Officers and Wives of Customs Officers (AFDEM) held the second edition of its solidarity and donation ceremony in the courtyard of the Malian Customs Office 205 in Faladiè.
The ceremony was presided over by the Regional Director of Customs for Bamako, Colonel Issiaka Tanou.
This initiative saw the participation of various branches of the Defense and Security Forces. Speaking at the event, AFDEM President Colonel Awa I. Doumbia emphasized that the operation reflects the association's gratitude toward those who sacrifice themselves for the nation. She also noted that donating blood to the FAMa addresses an operational necessity, particularly regarding the medical care of soldiers wounded in theaters of operation.
For his part, the representative of the Blood Bank, Dr. Moctar Kone, pointed out that in the current security climate, the availability of blood products is essential for treating soldiers wounded in combat.
In turn, the representative of retired customs officers, retired Colonel Bakary Coulibaly, commended the initiative, highlighting the importance of blood donation in the care provided to military personnel wounded during operations.
The Director of the Armed Forces Social Service, Colonel-Major Bréhima Samake, expressed his gratitude to AFDEM for this gesture of support toward the Defense and Security Forces. He described the blood donation as a tangible act of solidarity with the military personnel engaged in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, the Regional Director of Customs in Bamako, Colonel Issiaka Tanou, noted that this gesture makes a tangible contribution to the national effort in support of the soldiers dedicated to defending the nation.
For his part, the representative of former Directors General of Customs, retired General Aly Coulibaly, commended AFDEM’s commitment. He also highlighted that the association had gone above and beyond expectations by providing school kits to the children of Defense and Security Force personnel.
Through this blood drive, AFDEM aims to demonstrate its solidarity with the FAMa (Malian Armed Forces) and contribute, in its own way, to the care of wounded soldiers.
This initiative by the Association of Female Customs Officers and Spouses of Customs Officers (AFDEM) reflects a spirit of solidarity and patriotism, reaffirming the public's support for the Malian Armed Forces as they carry out their mission in the service of the nation.
Sgt. Jacques Diarra
