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Decentralization/Federalism – 1992

Mali adopted a democratic constitution in February 1992 after overthrowing an authoritarian regime. In Chapter XI, the constitution dictates the rules surrounding regional and local government and section 98, it specifies, “municipal governments are [to be] freely administered by their elected councils, within conditions fixed by the law.” The Malian government’s decision to devolve power to the local government units was a response to three influences: external pressure (from the IMF and World Bank), their own initiatives to consolidate political power, and, finally, domestic pressure from the Taureg threat.¹ After the signing of the National Pact, President Alpha Oumar Konar visited Northern Mali and inaugurated new administrative structures. The constitutional provision, the provision for special decentralization for the north, and the inauguration of administrative structures in northern Mali can all be considered serious efforts aimed at devolving power.

1. Jennifer C. Seely, “A Political Analysis of Decentralisation: Co-opting the Tuareg Threat in Mali.” Journal of Modern African Studies 39, no. 3(2001): 499-524.