Mali

In Mali, Switzerland is active in the fight against poverty and in efforts to ensure respect for human rights and secure a lasting peace. It supports local economic development, good governance and peace, as well as human development with a focus on high-quality basic education. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) focuses its activities on the regions of Sikasso in the south, Mopti in the centre and Timbuktu in the north of Mali.

Mali's recent history has been beset by political crises and multiple conflicts that have led to high levels of violence and insecurity. After the violent clashes that broke out in northern Mali in 2012, the democratic elections in 2013 paved the way for the signing of a peace agreement in June 2015. The slow implementation of the peace agreement and lack of political inclusion led to a new socio-political crisis, which culminated in a second coup d'état in May 2021. Mali is now in a period of political transition.

The country continues to face numerous challenges: the high level of insecurity has an adverse impact on national development, the state lacks the capacity to ensure the safety of its citizens and meet their basic needs, and young people face an uncertain future. The deteriorating security situation has resulted in the forced displacement of over 350,000 people. The number of people in need of emergency humanitarian aid is increasing: 7.5 million (including 5 million children) just in 2022.

Yet despite these many challenges, Mali has a remarkable capacity for resilience, a strong agro-pastoral potential, and huge stores of human capital. Switzerland supports this potential through three foreign policy instruments: development cooperation, peace policy and humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) second specialised personnel to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and training personnel to Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School in Bamako.

Human development

Tailored solutions to social and humanitarian challenges

Switzerland helps the national and local authorities and specialised development and humanitarian actors to improve their emergency response capabilities, provide access to high-quality basic education and protect civilians. It is assisting the Malian government in developing and implementing a national food and nutrition security policy for the most vulnerable communities. Around one million Malian children aged 7 to 12 are not in school. Half of the children who do start school are forced to drop out before completing compulsory education. Switzerland's efforts in this area are focused on improving the quality of education and providing support for the decentralised management of education. In response to health and security crises, Switzerland also promotes alternative forms of inclusive education (e.g. mobile schools).

Sustainable local economic development

Increased productivity and incomes 

More than two thirds of Mali's population live in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for about one third of GDP. Switzerland supports initiatives to increase agricultural productivity and incomes. It supports the development of an inclusive private sector and promotes market-oriented vocational education and training that prepares young people better for the job market. These types of initiatives aim to boost economic activity, particularly at local level. 

Good governance and peace

Decentralisation and empowerment of local institutions

Switzerland supports the efforts of central- and local-level state actors to improve their performance and ensure transparent, accountable and inclusive governance. It helps to strengthen the administrative and financial management capabilities of local elected officials. It also supports the transfer of resources to the regional level and the mobilisation of resources managed by local authorities. It has established specific programmes to fight corruption and impunity. Switzerland also provides capacity-building support to enable decentralised authorities to set up mechanisms to protect civilians.

Through the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division, Switzerland is working to ensure the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting from the Algiers Process, which was signed in 2015, as well as for the inclusion of all stakeholders.

Partners

Switzerland implements its programmes in Mali through a range of partnerships with government institutions, local and international non-governmental organisations, and other bilateral and multilateral partners.