Decentralisation in Mali : putting policy into practice

Abstract

In 1992, the government of Mali decided on a policy of decentralization in order to deepen the ongoing democratization process, tackle the problems of local development, recast the role of the State, and promote security and peace. Decentralization became a reality in 1999. The end of the first term of office of the local government authorities in 2004 was a good moment to take stock of the implementation of this reform. This bulletin discusses not only the rationale for and foundations of decentralization in Mali, the institutional support arrangements, and the first achievements of the process at local level, but also the issues and challenges arising from this process.