The Constitutional Court of Mali validated the result of a referendum that took place on June 18, 2023 to approve a new constitution. The constitution grants greater power to the Mali government, a military junta in power since 2020, and has removed French as the official language. The language has been the country’s official language since 1960.

The new constitution received 97% support from the referendum, which has a 38% turnout.

Once colonized by the French, the African country had been disturbed by multiple military coup d’états and jihadist insurgencies since 2012. France launched an anti-jihadist operation to help stabilize Mali and strengthen the alliance. An anti-French sentiment later surged in Mali for the inappropriate political and military strategies adopted by France. As a result, the French anti-jihadist operation failed, with the French army withdrawn in 2022.

During the month of June, 2023, Mali kicked 12,000 UN peacekeepers and French soldiers out of the country. The new constitution removed French from being the official language. Instead, 13 national languages were recognized as the official state language.

Looking forward, the democratic development of Mali’s new government still faces challenges. The new president, Assimi Goita, obtained power through a military coup d’état in 2020 and had declared himself head of the army ever since. Goita promised a transition to democracy by the time he overthrew the previous president in August 2020 but the reform has not yet been realized. Opponents hold that Goita’s alleged support to pave the way to the February 2024 presidential election may be another delay tactic to prolong his time in power.

Back to the 13th to 17th century, Mali Empire was an economic center in West Africa. The new referendum gives hope to the people longing for anti-colonization and democratic transition. May Mali finally regains the ability to prosper as the trading hub that it was once known as.

Written by: Tina Zhang