Mali has been experiencing instability and conflict since the 2012 military coup and the occupation of its northern regions by armed groups. This led to the intervention of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from July 2014 to December 2023. On 18 August 2020, a transitional government and a National Transitional Council (NTC), acting as the National Assembly, were established pending the organisation of democratic elections.
At the political level, this period was marked by the inter-Malian dialogue for peace and national reconciliation. This process was presented as a national initiative to establish a framework for discussions, enabling the population to engage in open dialogue and propose solutions to social, economic, and sustainable development challenges in a conflict-affected context.
The inter-Malian dialogue, held from 13 April to 10 May 2024 across the national territory as well as in Mali's diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, resulted in 300 recommendations formulated around the following key themes: peace, national reconciliation, and social cohesion; political and institutional issues; economy and sustainable development; security and defence; geopolitics; and the international environment. To facilitate the implementation of these recommendations, the government has developed a draft 2024–2028 action plan, which aims to operationalise several ambitious initiatives across these themes.
On 28 January 2024, Mali announced its intention to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), opting instead to form an alliance with Niger and Burkina Faso. On 16 September 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed the Charter of Liptako-Gourma, laying the foundation for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a confederation that seeks to redefine the fight against terrorism and reshape regional dynamics.
Finally, Mali's energy crisis has severely impacted its economic and social fabric and remains a key contextual element in the country’s socio-economic landscape. However, economic growth forecasts remain optimistic, driven by the recovery of cotton production, resumed mining activities (particularly lithium extraction), industrial gold production, and the launch or restructuring of industries in key sectors.
We aim to promote and establish a participatory and inclusive dialogue, defining community-led initiatives to restore trust and collaboration between communities, the authorities, and security and defence actors. Additionally, we seek to support and inform the international community on intra- and inter-community conflict dynamics, leading to programmes and mechanisms that prioritise sustainable peace. Our work focused on a deep understanding of the dynamics of systemic conflict and participatory and inclusive approaches to peacebuilding.
Interpeace has facilitated multi-stakeholder exchanges to reflect on women’s participation in community life, governance, and peacebuilding at the local level, as well as to make recommendations to mitigate these issues. All participants welcomed the initiative, particularly municipal authorities and traditional leaders. Women’s groups created action plans based on their analysis of the challenges and problems associated with women’s participation in the various processes to create highly relevant, realistic, localised plans, with women taking ownership of the paths to their integration.
In 2024, thanks to this inclusive governance programming, the Mali programme involved 315 people, almost all women, of which two-thirds are youth. The programme held three activities with security actors and seven with governance and justice actors, involving various stakeholders to enhance their commitment to women’s participation in governance.