This chapter examines the attempts of Mali’s security sector to respond to citizens’ needs and increase transparency and participation. It suggests that the reforms are costly for such an indebted government. Furthermore, the population and security agents are reluctant to adopt reforms due to administrative inertia and low confidence in administrative changes. However, once this reluctance has been dispelled, it will be easier to set overall performance indicators.
As part of the state reform process in Mali, the government has been addressing the challenges of security sector reform. The aim is to enhance the general ability of the sector to support efforts to restore a society where all individuals are treated equally and whose stability is based on broadly accepted and approved regulatory mechanisms. There is relatively little risk involved in implementing reforms because they will strengthen the functioning of already existing legal institutions. To date, criteria for effectiveness and efficiency have had to be defined sector by sector, in all areas of security activities.
Reforms are still required in several areas. In the short term, there is a need to reverse the general trend of inefficiency among security personnel. In the medium and long term, state authority needs to be bolstered in all areas of economic and social life. The current deficiencies in the security sector are linked to both internal and external factors.
- Security and judicial services are still insufficiently established in the hinterland of the country, due to the low concentration of structures and staff.
- The absence of organisational structures and personnel has led to deficiencies in the performance of their roles.
- Where they exist, services are not well organised and do not function effectively because staff are not adequately trained and resources are not appropriate for the duties they are expected to discharge.
- Corruption and financial crime is rampant in the security services, as in all government departments. This detracts from the credibility and the authority of the state.
In order to enhance people’s feeling of security and to make the rule of law a reality, the following strategies should be considered:
- The operational abilities of the security forces should be strengthened by improving the legal framework, equipment, infrastructure and staffing levels. Personnel management and discipline also require improvement.
- External partners could improve the training of personnel and upgrade the equipment of the forces protecting people and property.
- The performance and credibility of the justice system should be improved to promote and defend human rights and facilitate integration of the legal system. There is a need to combat corruption.
- The professional ethics of the intelligence services should be enhanced. More internal controls are needed.
