THE African Union Commission (AUC) has applauded the decision by Mali’s transitional authorities to hold a constitutional referendum on June 18. The new constitution aims to strengthen the president’s powers and reduce the status of French language from the official language to a ‘working language.’
The AUC chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomed the announcement and emphasised the importance of an inclusive, transparent, and credible transition management before the general elections scheduled for March next year.
Mahamat stated that the Malian authorities must remain open to all political and social actors to ensure the referendum’s success while prioritising the country’s interests. The AUC chairperson also called on civil society, religious groups, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the transitional authorities to build an inclusive, democratic, and capable state.
Mali has been ruled by a transition government since the military coup on August 18, 2020. The transitional authorities have established an independent electoral body and related mechanisms to ensure a quick and effective transition timetable. Mahamat urged the authorities to maintain these efforts towards the return to constitutional order.
As a prelude to the referendum, members of the security forces will vote in advance on June 11, according to the presidential decree. The transitional authorities’ current term will expire in Feb. 2024.
The AUC’s statement comes at a crucial time for Mali as it attempts to regain stability after a decade of political and security instability. The country has experienced multiple coups and Islamist insurgencies, leading to the collapse of state institutions and economic hardship for its citizens. The adoption of a new constitution through a transparent and inclusive process could help address some of these issues and pave the way for credible general elections in March 2023.
