Small gifts and social drama: the normalization of corruption in Mali

The weight of “small gifts” in Malian society

In the local languages of Mali, expressions such as “Bonya” (respect), “woro songo” (the price of cola), or “buru songo” (the price of bread) are frequently used. These terms serve as a linguistic veil for the practice of giving “small gifts,” a habit that nourishes the roots of corruption. While this phenomenon causes widespread concern, it appears to be increasingly tolerated by the general public.

How has this form of corruption become so integrated into the social fabric? Furthermore, how can a practice that seems to be accepted by the majority be effectively denounced?

According to the Transparency International “Dictionary of Corruption,” the act is defined as the “misuse of entrusted power for private gain.” From this perspective, many daily interactions in Mali fall squarely into this category.

This reality is visible across public services and administrative interactions, manifesting as bribes, undue favors, or various forms of illicit influence.

Testimonies of a systemic struggle

Myriam (a pseudonym), a commercial director at a Bamako communication agency, highlights the severity of the issue. “Every time I secure a contract, officials from the contracting body demand a percentage. It is non-negotiable,” she explains with frustration. She admits that the pressure of this constant extortion, which feels deeply embedded in local customs, makes it difficult to maintain her business operations.

Corruption often takes even more mundane forms: a bribe to speed up paperwork, a “gift” to ensure a passing grade on an exam, or using personal connections instead of merit to obtain a favor. These routines have become so common that they are perceived as “normal” in many sectors.

Entrepreneur Omar Keita shares a similar story. After waiting an entire day in line during a fuel shortage, he felt forced to give 10,000 FCFA to a pump attendant who refused to serve him without a “gratuity.” This shortage was exacerbated by security threats against tankers traveling from Sénégal and Côte d’Ivoire.

Omar Keita expressed deep personal hurt over the act, yet such interactions have become trivialized, creating a self-sustaining cycle. As these habits spread, the perception of corruption as a moral wrong diminishes—a cultural shift that facilitates its social acceptance.

Expert perspectives on a social crisis

Sibiri Diarra, a retired international official, notes that in the United Nations system, gift-giving was strictly regulated to prevent corruption. In Mali, however, where such rules are often unknown to the public, the door remains wide open for abuse. Local anti-corruption advocates argue that the lack of real legal consequences further emboldens these practices.

Sociologist Mohamed Abdellahi Elkhalil, an expert on Sahel social issues, suggests that corruption has permeated the very gears of society. He warns that this “normalization” poses a significant threat to the nation’s democratic foundations and economic stability. According to him, the trend is more sociological than cultural, driven by a desire to live beyond one’s means.

Oumar Korkosse, from the Recotrade network, points to poverty and unemployment as major catalysts. He argues that when salaries are low or paid irregularly, small acts of bribery become a survival strategy for many, pulling even those with high integrity into the loop.

The Association Malienne de Lutte contre la Corruption et la Délinquance Financière (AMLCDF) emphasizes that the issue is fundamentally moral. During a recent workshop in Bamako, the group called for the development of a civic conscience rooted in ethics and respect for the common good. They believe civil society, education, and religious leaders must play a central role in this awakening.

An endemic phenomenon documented by data

A March 2024 survey by Afrobaromètre reveals that citizens perceive judges, business leaders, civil servants, tax officials, and police officers as those most involved in corruption. Many respondents admitted to paying bribes to access basic public services.

On the roads, the situation is particularly frustrating for operators like Ousmane Diarra, a motorcycle taxi driver. He reports being stopped multiple times a day by police, forced to pay 1,000 or 2,000 FCFA each time regardless of whether his papers are in order. “It’s a huge burden,” he says, noting that he spends much of his day pleading with officers.

The Afrobaromètre study confirms that public administrations—including health centers, schools, and the police—are the primary sites for these practices. This has led to Mali being viewed internationally as a country with high levels of corruption.

In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, Mali scored 27 out of 100, ranking 135th out of 180 countries. This stagnation continued into 2025, with a score of 28/100 and a rank of 136th. Governance experts note that the public sector is seen as heavily compromised by international analysts and experts.

Furthermore, the 2023 World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators placed Mali‘s corruption control at -0.86, well below the global average. Lawyer Me. Soumaré Boubacar suggests that when trust in institutions fails, corruption becomes a desperate survival tactic for many. “When everyone is doing it, the individual feels they have no choice,” he concludes.