The 2025 National Anti-Corruption Week in Mali officially commenced on December 9, 2025, in Bamako. Mamoudou Kassogué, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, inaugurated this significant event, designed to inform the public about ongoing anti-corruption initiatives. The central theme, carried over from the previous year, is: « Uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity ».
During his address, Minister Kassogué underscored the critical need for a collective mobilization to counter the « immeasurable » impact of corruption. He echoed the sentiments of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who described corruption as an « insidious evil » that erodes democracy, the rule of law, and paves the way for organized crime and terrorism.
🎯 Transition Authorities’ Political Priority
The observance of this International Day, designated by the UN for December 9, powerfully demonstrates the unwavering political resolve of Mali’s highest Transitional Authorities. General d’armée Assimi Goïta, in particular, champions an « unrelenting and irreversible » campaign against this pervasive scourge.
This week-long observance is an integral part of the state’s re-founding process, which necessitates a fundamental change of paradigms in public governance and the cultivation of citizens embodying integrity and patriotism.
Youth as the Vanguard of Change
The chosen theme highlights the generational imperative for Malian youth, who are expected to serve as the « fer de lance » (spearhead) in overcoming resistance and driving the change process. Minister Kassogué commended the « remarkable » engagement of youth movements dedicated to this crucial cause.
🛡️ Judicial Response: PNEF and ARGASC for Enhanced Deterrence
The Ministry of Justice reiterates its firm commitment to implementing judicial reforms aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of the fight against economic and financial delinquency:
The National Economic and Financial Hub (PNEF): Designed to prosecute financial offenders through the application of modern techniques and resources.
The Agency for the Recovery and Management of Seized or Confiscated Assets (ARGASC): Focuses on the substantial recovery of funds and properties illicitly diverted from state assets.
A deterrent force: « The combined efforts of the PNEF and ARGASC will significantly enhance the deterrent effect against corruption and economic and financial delinquency, ensuring that the proceeds of crime can no longer benefit their perpetrators. »
Innovations in the New Penal Code
New provisions are set to strengthen judicial action, notably:
The imprescriptibility of criminal offenses related to economic and financial delinquency involving public assets.
The abolition of parliamentary privileges and immunities.
Enhanced protection for whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims.
Modernization Tools for Combating Corruption
Further tools are being rolled out to optimize this combat:
The free green hotline « Binkani Kunafoni » (3611), made available to citizens for reporting corrupt practices.
The imminent operationalization of the judicial IT platform, following a successful test phase, for the dematerialization of judicial files and to counter corrupt practices.
🤝 Call for Inter-Institutional Coordination
The Minister emphasized the necessity for strengthened collaboration and cooperation among the various state structures with complementary missions, including:
The Central Office for the Fight Against Illicit Enrichment (OCLEI).
The Office of the Auditor General (BVG).
The Court of Accounts (established from the former Accounts Section of the Supreme Court following the adoption of the 2023 Constitution).
He reaffirmed that the project to establish a framework for consultation and coordination among all these entities will be pursued « as soon as possible ».
