Mali’s Crisis Deepens as Aid Fails to Stem Rise of Organized Crime
Date: July 20, 2022
BAMAKO, MALI - The humanitarian crisis in Mali worsens as a new study reveals that organized crime is becoming increasingly entrenched in the country, fueled by corruption and a lack of effective governance.
A Failure of International Aid Efforts
A report published by International Alert highlights the failure of international aid efforts to address the root causes of the crisis. Instead, donors have inadvertently contributed to the problem by propping up fragile governments and exacerbating corruption.
Organized Crime: The Main Driver of Instability in Mali
The study reveals that organized crime is now a major driver of instability in Mali, with armed groups and corrupt officials colluding to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods across the region. The situation has been exacerbated by the collapse of state institutions, which has created a power vacuum that criminal networks are eager to exploit.
Examples of Organized Crime in Mali
- In the border town of Kayes, interviewees reported seeing large shipments of cocaine being smuggled through the area, with illiterate youth making up to €7,000 from delivering a single shipment.
- Weapons are being smuggled into the country with ease, with prices for firearms dropping significantly in recent years. According to one interviewee, it is now possible to purchase a weapon for as little as €100, down from several thousand euros just a few years ago.
Implications for Stability and Security
The rise of organized crime has serious implications for Mali’s stability and security. The report warns that the country is at risk of becoming a narco-state, with criminal networks exerting significant influence over politics and governance.
Call to Action: Strengthen Civil Society and Promote Good Governance
The study’s authors are calling on donors to rethink their approach to addressing the crisis in Mali. Rather than simply providing aid to governments, they argue that international actors should be working to strengthen civil society and promote good governance.
“We need to recognize that the root causes of this crisis go far beyond a simple lack of resources or infrastructure,” said Luca Raineri, one of the report’s authors. “We need to address the underlying political and economic dynamics that are driving organized crime in Mali.”
International Action Needed
The report’s findings have sparked renewed calls for international action to address the crisis in Mali. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has warned that transnational organized crime poses a significant threat to global security, while the West Africa Commission on Drugs has called for greater cooperation among regional countries to combat the problem.
A New Approach is Needed
As the situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, it is clear that a new approach is needed to address the crisis. International donors must work with local communities and civil society organizations to promote good governance, strengthen institutions, and combat organized crime. Anything less will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and instability that has plagued the region for so long.