Mali’s record-breaking nonuplets celebrated their fourth birthday on Sunday, May 4, in a grand celebration that drew global attention and solidarity. The nine siblings, comprising five girls and four boys, were born prematurely via C-section in Morocco and have become an international sensation due to their unique birth.
The children, named Mohammed VI, Elhadji, Oumar, Bah, Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, and Oumou, were overjoyed on their special day as they marked this milestone birthday with a spectacular party. Their parents, Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, spared no expense in making the day special, promising an event “fit for celebrities”.
“The children are all well, by the grace of God,” said a proud Halima Cissé, 29. “They have grown so much since their last birthday and the change is clearly visible in them all.” The nonuplets’ individual personalities shine through in recent photos, showcasing their growth and development.
The family’s journey began when Halima gave birth to the nonuplets at 30 weeks gestation, with each baby weighing between 0.5-1 kg. Initially thought to be carrying seven babies, the parents were surprised when two more were discovered after Halima was flown to Morocco for specialized care.
“We started with seven, and Allah blessed us with nine,” Abdelkader Arby said, expressing gratitude for the miracle of their children’s birth and survival. After spending 19 months in Morocco, the family finally returned home to Mali.
The nonuplets hold the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered at a single birth to survive. Their remarkable story has captured the hearts of people worldwide, and their birthday celebration was a testament to the love and solidarity surrounding this extraordinary family.