USAID's Strategy in Mali

In May and July 2002, respectively, Mali held peaceful elections for the presidency and legislature. These elections marked another milestone in the consolidation of Mali's young democracy since the 1991 collapse of the longtime dictatorship. Although corruption in Mali is not as severe as in many sub-Saharan African countries, Mali's new president has made anti-corruption a major focus of his new government. Notwithstanding its democratic credentials, Mali's progress towards sustainable economic development remains fragile. The largely agriculture-based economy does not as yet provide an adequate platform for reducing endemic poverty and improving the quality of life for the majority of the country's people. Although the last decade was witness to significant economic liberalization and structural reforms, Mali is severely indebted, subject to cyclical drought, and heavily dependent on the export of a limited range of primary commodities.

In recent years, Mali's macroeconomic performance improved significantly; however, 72 percent of Mali's population live below the poverty line, and unemployment and underemployment are high. Political unrest in neighboring Côte d'Ivoire since the September 2002 mutiny has further highlighted Mali's economic and social vulnerability. Mali's social indicators are abysmal; however, the rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence within the general population is among the lowest in the West African region.

Mali is one of the few predominantly Muslim countries that have vocally supported the U.S. war on terrorism. The number-one priority for the United States in Mali is to support Mali's efforts to combat terrorism. Furthermore, thanks to its political stability and the commitment of its leadership to regional integration, Mali plays an indispensable role as a stabilizing force in volatile West Africa. Therefore, it is in the U.S. national interests to support programs that will consolidate democratic systems and practices, expand economic development, and improve the health and educational levels of the Malian people.

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