In Mali, terms like « bonya » (respect), « woro songo » (cola price), or « buru songo » (bread price) mask a harsh reality: the normalization of small, illicit gifts that fuel corruption. These practices, deeply embedded in daily interactions, pose a significant threat to the country’s social fabric. What drives this acceptance, and how can society break free from this cycle of corruption?
Understanding corruption in Mali: a systemic issue
Transparency International defines corruption as « the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. » In Mali, this definition resonates strongly. From public services to administrative procedures, corruption manifests in various forms—bribes, favoritism, or undue influence—becoming almost routine in many sectors.
Take Myriam (a pseudonym), a marketing director in Bamako. She shares her frustration: « Every time I secure a contract, representatives of the contracting agency demand a cut. It’s take it or leave it. » Despite her discomfort, she feels trapped, as this practice has become deeply ingrained in local business culture. « How long can I sustain this? » she asks, highlighting the emotional toll of such demands.
Everyday corruption: a silent crisis
Corruption in Mali isn’t always dramatic—sometimes, it’s as simple as « greasing the wheels » to speed up a process. Whether it’s a bribe to expedite a permit, a « gift » to pass an exam, or influence peddling, these acts are often perceived as harmless. Yet, they create a ripple effect, eroding trust in institutions.
Omar Keita, an entrepreneur, recounts his experience during a fuel shortage caused by attacks on tanker trucks from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. After waiting an entire day in line, he reluctantly paid 10,000 FCFA to a gas station attendant to secure fuel. « It was humiliating, » he admits, yet such practices have become so commonplace that they’re almost expected.
Why corruption persists: societal and institutional factors
The normalization of corruption in Mali stems from a mix of cultural, economic, and institutional factors. Sibiri Diarra, a retired international civil servant, notes that even in structured organizations like the United Nations, gifts are strictly regulated to prevent corruption. Yet, in Mali, where such safeguards are lacking, opportunities for abuse abound.
Mohamed Abdellahi Elkhalil, a sociologist specializing in Sahelian issues, argues that corruption has « infiltrated the very fabric of Malian society. » He distinguishes between cultural and sociological normalization, attributing the latter to the desire to « live beyond one’s means. » This mentality, he says, fuels a cycle where corruption is no longer seen as wrong but as a necessary means of survival.
Oumar Korkosse, a member of the Réseau des communicateurs traditionnels pour le développement au Mali (Recotrade), adds that poverty and unemployment exacerbate the problem. When salaries are low or irregular, small acts of corruption become a supplementary income source. « Even those who wish to act with integrity often succumb, » he explains.
The human cost of corruption in Mali
According to Afrobarometer’s 2024 survey, judges, businesspeople, civil servants, tax officials, and police officers are perceived as the most corrupt. Many citizens admit to paying bribes to access public services, from healthcare to education. The consequences are dire: Mali ranks 135th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a score of 27/100—a stagnation that reflects the persistent challenge of tackling corruption.
The World Bank’s 2023 Worldwide Governance Indicators report ranks Mali’s corruption control at -0.86, far below the global average (-0.04). This low score underscores the weak institutional capacity to combat corruption, reinforcing the perception that it is an insurmountable problem.
Me. Soumaré Boubacar, a lawyer in Bamako, warns that when a majority of the population doubts the integrity of institutions, corruption becomes a survival strategy. « If everyone is doing it, why shouldn’t I? » he asks, illustrating the normalization of corrupt behavior.
Breaking the cycle: the role of ethics and accountability
The Malian Association for the Fight Against Corruption and Financial Delinquency (AMLCDF) emphasizes that addressing corruption requires more than legal or political solutions—it demands a moral awakening. Building a culture of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the common good is essential.
The association advocates for grassroots initiatives, including civic education programs and religious discourses, to foster ethical awareness. « Corruption thrives in silence and complicity, » they state. « Only through collective action can we dismantle this destructive cycle. »
What’s next for Mali?
While the road to eradicating corruption in Mali is long, there is hope. Strengthening institutions, enforcing anti-corruption laws, and fostering a culture of transparency are critical steps. But perhaps the most vital change must come from within society itself—a shift in mindset that rejects corruption not just as illegal, but as fundamentally unjust.
As the world watches, Mali stands at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of normalized corruption, or will it embrace a future where integrity and accountability prevail?
