Mali: Peace Efforts Must Prioritize Organized Crime

Ignoring Organized Crime Could Have Devastating Consequences

Bamako, Mali - As peace negotiations continue in Mali, experts are warning that ignoring organized crime could have devastating consequences for the country’s fragile stability.

A Comprehensive Approach is Needed

According to a recent report, organized crime networks and leaders complicit in criminal activities could consolidate their power if left unchecked, leading to new conflicts between rival entities. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) plays a crucial role in addressing this issue, but more needs to be done.

A comprehensive approach is needed that includes civic engagement and community-based initiatives to reduce the push factors and local support for criminal activity.
This could involve partnering with local stakeholders, including marabous, religious leaders, women’s organizations, and other trusted community groups.

“We need to understand the local drivers and incentives that induce criminal behavior,” said a senior official at MINUSMA. “Unless we address these underlying issues, it will be difficult to curb criminal activities.”

Public Awareness and Ownership are Key

The report also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and ownership of the issue. Civil society and media actors can play a crucial role in stimulating public debate and demanding government action.

Addressing organized crime must start at the political level, with a commitment from the government to address corruption and structural dynamics around it.
The international community can play an important role by including organized crime as a priority theme in its programming activities, supporting civil society in building capacity on this front, and pushing the Malian government to tackle the issue.

Key Recommendations

Prioritize organized crime as a priority theme in peace negotiations and reconstruction efforts.
Encourage community-based approaches to address the negative impact of organized crime.
Support deeper and more context-specific analysis through building capacity of academia and local researchers.
Strengthen state-citizen relationships by committing to address the issue and improving civilian oversight mechanisms.

Quote: “Organized crime is a major obstacle to peace and stability in Mali, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and development if addressed correctly.” - A senior official at MINUSMA