Promoting peace and stability in Mali

Context

Mali is one of the world's poorest countries. The country has been unstable since the political crisis and coup in 2012. A peace agreement signed in 2015 was intended to lay the groundwork for reconciliation, stability and peace. However, implementation of the peace agreement is progressing slowly.

In northern and central Mali, there is a worsening of existing tensions and violent attacks on the civilian population. The population's trust in the state is suffering due to insufficient income sources, limited opportunities for education and a lack of social care systems.

Objective

Those involved in Mali’s peace architecture create peace and stability for the entire population.

Approach

The project assists the Ministry of National Reconciliation in publicising and implementing the peace agreement, in close cooperation with the German embassy in Bamako. It is involved in the development of regional and local structures for conflict management with a view to building trust between the Malian people and the government. One priority is to get women involved in the peace process.

The project also supported the Malian Truth Commission up to the end of its mandate in addressing human rights violations and promoting lasting intra-societal reconciliation.

Micro-projects in the northern regions of Mali defuse local conflicts. As part of this, the project hosts citizens’ dialogue events in which those affected talk openly about their situation and can work together to identify solutions. For instance, drinking water facilities and equipment for taxi companies improve living conditions and social cohesion.

The project also supports measures to counter false information, so that young people can recognise and counteract fake news.

The project provides support for women and marginalised groups, including young people and internally displaced persons, in the form of representation, resources and rights. Gender-transformative approaches such as dialogue and awareness-raising formats for boys and men contribute to breaking patriarchal structures.

Last update: September 2023