Amid growing anti-France sentiments and political climate, in a historic move, Mali has replaced French as its official state language. In the June referendum, 96.91% approved the decision and was validated by the constitutional court.
From now on, French will be the primary working language while the nation’s 13 national languages will formally be recognized as official languages. While the 70 local languages some of which were granted national language status in 1982, will be retained.
Marking the beginning of the fourth republic in Mali, according to the presidency, junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita implemented the new constitution on Saturday. Following a decade of political instability and increased jihadist insurgencies, Mali has been under the rule of the Military junta.
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Mali has been through two coups causing unrest and uncertainty in holding elections, which were postponed from February 2022 to February 2024. The Constitution is viewed as crucial for rebuilding the nation.
Due to perceived military and political interference that has led to anti-France sentiments in West Africa, Mali reached a decision to shift away from the French. In August, France finalized its nine-year military operation in Mali by withdrawing its last troops that were to combat armed groups.
In response to Paris’ decision to suspend development aid to Bamako due to concerns about Mali’s alleged cooperation with the Wagner Russian private military company, the military government last year, ordered all NGOs to stop operations, including those funded by France.
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