Mali drops french as official language
Mali has removed French as its official language, marking a new chapter more than six decades after gaining independence in Bamako.
“The decision to remove French as the official language reflects our commitment to embracing our national identity and promoting linguistic diversity,” said an official from Mali.
The change was implemented through the adoption of a new constitution, which was validated by the constitutional court on Friday following a June referendum that received overwhelming approval from voters.
Under the new constitution, French will continue to be used as the primary working language, while the 13 national languages spoken within the country will be officially recognized as official languages.
“We believe that recognizing and promoting our national languages is vital for fostering inclusivity and preserving our cultural heritage,” added the official.
Additionally, the country will retain 70 local languages, including Bambara, Bobo, Dogon, and Minianka, which had previously attained national language status back in 1982 through a decree.
The decision comes amid Mali’s political instability, as the country has been under the rule of a military junta since two coups took place in August 2020 and May 2021. The junta has emphasized the need for a new constitution to rebuild the nation, with plans to transition to civilian rule through elections in February 2024.
“We see the implementation of the constitutional framework as a significant step towards the Fourth Republic, signifying our commitment to democratic governance,” stated Interim President Assimi Goita.
The relationship between France and Mali has faced challenges in recent years, as anti-French sentiment has grown across former West African colonies, including Mali. Issues such as claims of military failures against jihadists and allegations of political interference have strained the once-strong ties.
Last August, France completed its nine-year military operation in Mali, withdrawing its troops from the country as they concluded their fight against armed groups.
In response to Paris’ decision to suspend development aid over concerns about Mali’s cooperation with the Wagner Russian private military company, the military government ordered all NGOs, including French-funded aid groups, to halt their activities in the country.
Despite the strains in France-Mali relations, the removal of French as the official language reflects Mali’s determination to reaffirm its independence and embrace its rich linguistic diversity.
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