In the latest Transparency International rankings for corruption perception, Mali has slipped one position, dropping from 135th to 136th place globally. This decline places the country behind regional neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which are part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) assesses nations based on their efforts to combat corruption. For 2025, 182 countries were evaluated, with Mali scoring a mere 28 out of 100, securing the 136th position. This marks a notable regression from its previous standing, despite ongoing initiatives by national authorities to address corrupt practices.

governance and transparency challenges persist

Ibrahim Harouna Touré, Regional Coordinator of the Human Rights and Peace Observatory in Gao, highlights systemic issues in governance and accountability as key factors behind this decline. « There is no open debate or constructive criticism surrounding major state projects. Contracts lack transparency, and there is no proper oversight, » he explains.

He further emphasizes that institutional leaders often operate without sufficient accountability to the public. « The governance structure appears unrestricted, giving institutions unchecked freedom in managing public funds, » he adds. According to Touré, these gaps in accountability and transparency are major contributors to the persistence of corruption in the country.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter