Mali’s democratic and security challenges: Government and civil society collaborate
Mali’s Prime Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, General Abdoulaye Maïga, presided over a National Consultation Framework (CCN) meeting on Friday, December 6, 2024, bringing together representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs).
The meeting, following similar discussions with political parties, provided an update on ongoing electoral roll revisions and the country’s political and institutional reforms.
General Maïga emphasized three core principles—inclusivity, co-construction, and transparency—aimed at fostering trust between citizens and public institutions.
Key Issues Discussed
The dialogue covered pressing issues, including election organization, civil registry management, and security concerns.
Participants stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and CSOs to ensure the success of the ongoing reforms.
These discussions form part of broader reforms initiated since the May 2021 political transition, often referred to as a “rectification” or “second coup d’état.”
Among these reforms are the National Refoundation Conference held in December 2021 and the inter-Malian dialogue of May 2023, designed to reshape the country’s political and institutional framework.
Challenges and Delays
However, significant challenges remain.
The presidential election, originally slated for February 2024, has been postponed due to technical reasons, raising questions among civil society and political actors.
The delay underscores the need for meticulous preparation and ongoing dialogue to ensure transparent and inclusive elections.
Security concerns also persist, with continued instability in certain regions posing threats to the electoral process.
Cooperation between the government, civil society, and international partners is seen as vital to creating a secure environment conducive to both the elections and the implementation of reforms.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Mali’s government and civil society to address these challenges, reaffirming the need for unity and concerted efforts in navigating the nation’s democratic journey.