Financial Crime World

The Corruption Landscape in Mali

Corruption Risks

Corruption is a pervasive issue in Mali, affecting all aspects of Malian society. The following are some key corruption risks:

  • Widespread Corruption: Corruption is rampant across all sectors, including government, business, and civil society.
  • Public Procurement Vulnerabilities: Public procurement processes are vulnerable to corruption, with cases of embezzlement and favoritism reported.
  • Slow Judicial System: The judicial system is slow to act on corruption cases, leading to a lack of accountability.

Natural Resources

Mali’s natural resources play a significant role in the country’s economy. Key facts include:

  • Primary Resource: Gold: Gold is the primary natural resource extracted in Mali, followed by cotton.
  • International and Small-Scale Operators: International companies and small-scale operators are involved in gold extraction.
  • EITI Compliance: Mali is a compliant member of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Legislation

Mali has enacted laws to combat corruption, including:

  • Penal Code: The Penal Code (CPM) criminalizes active and passive corruption, bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of functions.
  • Punishment for Embezzlement: Embezzlement by public officials is punishable with prison sentences, fines, or work in the public interest.
  • Illicit Enrichment Prohibition: Illicit enrichment is prohibited but not adequately defined.
  • International Agreements: Mali has ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) but is not a party to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery.

Civil Society

Civil society plays an important role in addressing corruption in Mali:

  • Active and Heterogeneous: Civil society is active and heterogeneous, with many organizations working on corruption-related issues.
  • Freedom of Speech: Freedom of speech is guaranteed by law but restricted in practice, particularly in the north.
  • Internet Penetration: Internet penetration is low, at around 3%.

Sources

The information provided cites a range of sources, including government reports, non-governmental organization (NGO) publications, and international indices. These sources provide valuable insights into the corruption landscape in Mali and highlight areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Corruption remains a significant challenge in Mali, with many sectors vulnerable to corruption and a lack of accountability in the judicial system. Addressing these issues will require sustained efforts from government, civil society, and international partners.