Five years after the military coup, Mali finds itself grappling with a multifaceted crisis, teetering on the brink. What was once a nation facing manageable challenges has transformed into a state struggling for survival. Today, Mali confronts unprecedented political, economic, social, and security woes.
The political landscape is marred by a lack of democratic legitimacy and the abandonment of crucial peace agreements. The economy is suffocating under the weight of fuel shortages, a collapsing currency, and rampant unemployment. Socially, the education system is crippled, and basic services are in decline. The security situation is equally dire, with armed groups controlling vast swathes of the country.
As students remain out of school due to chronic fuel shortages, and cities and villages plunge into darkness for extended periods, the question looms large: Where is Mali headed?
The political path chosen by the military regime in Mali serves as a stark example of the failure to establish a sustainable political vision. After five years of a supposed “transition period,” Mali has only plunged deeper into crisis. Promises of democratic elections have been repeatedly postponed, with no clear path to a return to civilian rule. The ruling military council has failed to build genuine national consensus, opting instead for repression and exclusion.
A key element of instability lies in the stalled implementation of the 2015 Algiers Accord for Peace and Reconciliation. This agreement, brokered by Algeria and supported by the international community, offered a glimmer of hope for ending a decade of conflict with various groups.
The current state of affairs begs the question: can Mali recover from this downward spiral, or is it destined for further fragmentation and instability? The answers remain elusive, but the need for a comprehensive and inclusive solution is undeniable.
