Foreign relations of Mali
Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Template:Politics of Mali Template:Use dmy dates
Following independence in 1960, Mali initially followed a socialist path and was aligned ideologically with the communist bloc. Mali's foreign policy orientation became increasingly pragmatic and pro-Western over time. Since the institution of a democratic form of government in 1992, Mali's relations with the West in general and the United States in particular have improved significantly. U.S.-Malian relations are described by the U.S. Department of State as "excellent and expanding," especially given Mali's recent record of democratic stability in the volatile area of West Africa and its avowed support of the war on terrorism. Mali is reported to be one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid in Africa.<ref name=cp>Mali country profile. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (January 2005). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.</ref>
Mali is active in regional organizations such as the African Union (AU). Working to control and resolve regional conflicts, such as in Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, is one of Mali's major foreign policy goals. Mali feels threatened by the potential for the spillover of conflicts in neighboring states, and relations with those neighbors are often uneasy. General insecurity along borders in the north, including cross-border banditry and terrorism, remain troubling issues in regional regions.<ref name=cp/>
Although Azawad, a region spanning the expansive north of Mali, was proclaimed independent in April 2012 by Tuareg rebels, Mali has not recognised the de facto state.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Britain has closed its embassy; ECOWAS has declared an embargo against Mali, aiming to squeeze out Malian oil supplies; closed Mali's assets in the ECOWAS regional bank and has prepared a potential intervention force of 3,000 troops. France has declared it will assist in a potential intervention.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Multilateral membership
[edit]Mali is a member of the United Nations (and many of its specialized agencies), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). It also belongs to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU); Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement (NAM); an associate member of the European Community (EC); and African Development Bank (ADB).
Mali is active in regional organizations. It participates in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) for regional economic integration; Liptako–Gourma Authority, which seeks to develop the contiguous areas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso; the Niger River Commission; the Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel (CILSS); and the Senegal River Valley Development Organization (OMVS).
Historically, Mali has used these organizations to leverage the promotion of regional peacekeeping efforts. One of the largest issues facing the country is security threats from extremist groups and consequential political unrest. One of the most prominent examples of this is Mali's former membership the G5 Sahel with the fellow member states Burkina Faso (formerly), Chad, Mauritania, and Niger (formerly). The Sahel was originally formed on 16 February 2014, with the main objective of encouraging security and development. This partnership is historically significant due to the group's shared colonizer, France. In its first year of existence, the organization formed a legal framework for strategic intervention and a secretariat located in Nouakchott, Mauritania.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The framework was titled the Development and Security Strategy (SDS). In 2017, the G5 Sahel Joint Force was created and funded through the Priority Investment Program (PIP), aiming to reduce violence and create more stability in the region. In a December 2018 coordination conference, $2.6 billion was pledged from foreign nations including the United States, European Union, Saudi Arabia, and China. American and French financial support is suspected to be, in part, a result of their consequentially lowered troop commitment in the region. This military collective targets organized crime and religious extremists specifically with cross-border operations. In addition to military-centered approaches, Mali and Niger have implemented Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration, or DDR, programs while Mauritania and Burkina Faso have not. DDR is an approach that removes weapons, breaks up crime organizations, and reintegrates combatants into civilian life or state-sanctioned armed forces. Although more costly and time-intensive, DDR has proven to be more sustainable than other stabilization approaches over time.<ref name="wilsoncenter.org">Template:Cite web</ref> The G5 Sahel has been weakening in the most recent years, with many forces from the European Union pulling their troops to concentrate their efforts on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, to compensate, the Sahel member states have reported on plans to expand the size of their force from six to fourteen battalions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Biannual reports from the Sahel have revealed that the efforts have become increasingly dire with high humanitarian needs and large terrorist activity with large resource and land occupation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This eventually lead to its withdrawal on 15 May 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As seen with the G5-Sahel, Mali has not been a particularly active or compliant member of these organizations as a result of their ongoing political unrest. Despite some early successful peacekeeping initiatives by ECOWAS and the AU, their most recent joint policies are facing challenges of limited institutional capacity, low enforcement, and inexplicit language surrounding its implementation.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> ECOWAS was originally founded to promote economic development across its 15 West African member states, but also works to promote political institutions and stability. Recently, it promised to end the unconstitutional takeover of political power in member states,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but Mali has since developed new policies to distance themselves from the organization and limit its reach.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The UN has also attempted many peacekeeping missions focusing on political unrest, economic objectives, and women's rights throughout Mali's history. The most notable effort began with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in 2013. In 2022, Mali restricted United Nations peacekeeping operations through their security council<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and, in June 2023, asked for them to be removed. Although this program is being dissolved, some UN presence will remain in Mali. This effort kept about 15,000 soldiers and police personnel in Mali throughout the project's decade, but has recently been threatened by nearby territorial conflicts. It is also rumored that this removal may be the result of some strategic differences.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since the AU's creation in 2002, there have been some difficulties aligning it with the UN. Generally, the AU prioritizes short-term solutions over long-term, which is opposite to the UN. This disagreement has contributed to arguments about jurisdiction and the correct approach to security efforts.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Diplomatic relations
[edit]List of countries which Mali maintains diplomatic relations with:
Bilateral relations
[edit]| Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | 22 July 1963 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1963.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> During the Tuareg rebellion of 2012, the Algerian consulate was seized by at least two people wearing explosives belts. Seven hostages were taken, including the consul. In regards to Azawad's UDI, Algeria's Prime Minister has declared it would never "accept questioning Mali's territorial integrity" Algeria has planned to co-ordinate with MNLA to work towards freeing the hostages. |
| Template:Flag | 26 November 1996 |
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| Template:Flag | 1 August 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1963 when M. Gerard Walravens, first Ambassador of Belgium to Mali, resident in Abidjan, presented his letters of credentials to President Modibo Keita.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 27 August 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1965 when first ambassador of Mali to Dahomey (resident in Niamey) Mr. Hangadoumbo Toure presented his credentials.<ref name=":18">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 24 January 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1962.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite journal</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 7 January 1963 | See Canada–Mali relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1963<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> Mali established its embassy in Canada in 1978, with its first appointed ambassador Zana Ousmane Dao,<ref>L'Ambassadeur Mamadou Bandiougou Diawara, Welcome, Mali Embassy website.Template:Cite web</ref> while Canada's embassy in Mali has been open since 1995.<ref>Government of Canada, Canada – Mali Relations, web page, Date Modified: 2009-07-06.[1]</ref> Canada has moved from Mali's sixth-largest donor of bilateral official development assistance in 2000 to third-largest in 2007.<ref>Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. "ODA Total, Net disbursements", OECD.Stat, ODA by Recipient by country, extracted on 30 July 2009 03:34 UTC.[2]</ref> The value of Canada's exports of goods to Mali exceeded imports from Mali by Cdn.$22m. between 1990 and 2008.<ref>Industry Canada. "Trade by Product (HS Codes)", Trade Data Online, Trade Type: Trade Balance.[3]</ref> Natural Resources Canada estimated that Canadian mining investment in Mali reached Cdn.$500 million in 2009,<ref>Government of Canada. Canada – Mali Relations, Modified: 2009-07-06 [4]</ref> and in 2005, 73 mining concessions were held by Canadian firms in Mali.<ref>Natural Resources Canada. 2006. Canadian minerals yearbook, p.7.23 Template:Webarchive</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 25 October 1960 | See China–Mali relations
China established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Mali on 25 October 1960<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 30 December 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 1960<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 26 January 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 January 1990 when first Ambassador of Mali to Cyprus Mr. Sinally Coulibaly presented his credentials<ref name=":25">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 23 March 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 March 1964 when first Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Mr. Modibo Diallo, has presented his credentials to Emperor Haile Selassie<ref name=":13">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 18 August 2005 | See Finland–Mali relations |
| Template:Flag | 20 August 1960 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 August 1960<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> Mali has a longstanding relationship with France, its former colonial ruler, but relations have been described as ambivalent rather than close. Mali dropped out of the Franc Zone shortly after independence, not rejoining until 1967. One contentious issue between the two nations is the frequent expulsion of illegal Malian immigrants from France since 1996.<ref name="cp" /> However, France has played a significant part in helping Mali via military support in the Northern Mali conflict, with soldiers of the two nations' armies working together to take back territory from the rebels.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This military intervention, named Operation Barkhane, had the main objectives of strengthening Mali's armed forces and counterrorism efforts which began in 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Subscription required</ref> It was meant to bring stability to the state's institutions but, ultimately, helped to enable the 2020 military-led coup d'état.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In 2022, Mali expelled the last 2,400 troops of the advanced French military services due to increased violence and worsening conditions following the 2021 coup.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This marked a shift in relations between the two countries but appears to have not threatened other forms of support, such as financial aid. France has historically lent significant funding to Mali, most notably starting in December 2018 during the G-5 Sahel's Joint Force's Priority Investment Program (PIP) conference. This funding was meant to boost security efforts with the G5 Sahel, raising US$2.6 billion in pledges for the region from international donors.<ref name="wilsoncenter.org" /> Since the dismantling of the Sahel, it is unclear if and how these funds have been distributed. France also donated US$128 million between 2020–2021 to Mali through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 25 June 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1971 when Gambia's first Ambassador to Mali, Mr. Samuel Jonathan Okiki Sarr, presented his credentials to the Head of States, Lieut. Traore.<ref name=":19">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:GER | 23 September 1960 | See Germany–Mali relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 1960<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 24 January 1962 | See India–Mali relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1962.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite journal</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 21 June 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 June 1965 when M. Souraedi Tashi, Indonesia's first Ambassador to Mali, presented his credentials to President Modibo Keita.<ref name=":17">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 17 November 1972 | See Libya-Mali relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 November 1972 when the first Libyan Ambassador to Mali, Muhammad Ahmad Mograhi, presented his credentials to President Mousa Traore.<ref name=":20">Template:Cite book</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 1963 | See Mali–Mauritania relations
Since Mauritania negotiated a boundary dispute with Mali in 1963, ties between the two countries have been mostly cordial. Mali and Mauritania have cooperated on several development projects, such as the OMVS and a plan to improve roads between Nouakchott and Bamako. This cooperation somewhat lessened Mali's dependence on Senegal and Ivory Coast. Although relations were warm with other black African states, since 1965 the orientation of Mauritania's foreign policy has been geared towards relations with North African countries.<ref name="cs">Handloff, Robert E. "Relations with Other African States". In Mauritania: A Country Study (Robert E. Handloff, editor). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (June 1988). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 23 March 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 March 1977<ref name=":21">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 27 October 2004 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 October 2004 when has been accredited non-resident Ambassador of Mali to Namibia Mr. Sinally Coulibaly.<ref name=":28">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 11 July 1964 | See Mali–Netherlands relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 July 1964 when has been accredited Ambassador of the Netherlands to Mali with residence in Dakar.<ref name=":14">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 6 March 1983 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1983 when first Mali Ambassador to New Zealand (resident in Peking), Mr. Boubacar Toure presented his credentials to the Governor-General<ref name=":22">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 1963 |
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| Template:Flag | 12 May 1961 | See Mali–Poland relations |
| Template:Flag | 14 October 1960 | See Mali–Russia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1960<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 6 January 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 January 1987 when ambassador Moktar Kounta El Bakaye presented his credentials to president Juvénal Habyarimana.<ref name=":23">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 27 September 1990 |
Both countries estadlished diplomatic relations on 27 September 1990<ref name=":26">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 20 August 1964 | See Mali–Spain relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 August 1964.<ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 25 January 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 1965, when the first Swedish ambassador to Mali with residence in Abidjan, Karl Henrik Anderson, presented his letters of credentials.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite book</ref>In 2024, the Swedish government suspended humanitarian aid to Mali due to the pro-Russian policies adopted by the military government of Assimi Goïta.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In response, the government of Mali ordered the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador in Bamako.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 17 April 1963 |
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| Template:Flag | 5 November 1992
Diplomatic Severed in 4 August 2024 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 November 1992.<ref name=":30" />
In August 2024, the Malian military government severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine following the Battle of Tinzaouaten.<ref name=":29" /> |
| Template:Flag | 15 March 1961 | See Foreign relations of the United Kingdom
The UK established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 15 March 1961<ref name=":7">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Failed verification
Both countries share common membership of the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization. The UK provides international aid to Mali through the Sahel Region Development Partnership.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 24 September 1960 | See Mali–United States relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 September 1960<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> The bilateral agenda is dominated by efforts to increase broad-based growth, improve health and educational facilities, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, reduce the population growth rate, counter the spread of highly infectious diseases, encourage regional stability, build peacekeeping capabilities, institutionalize respect for human rights, and strengthen democratic institutions in offering good governance. Mali currently is a small market for U.S. trade and investment, but there is potential for considerable growth as its economy expands.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The majority of Mali-US relations and support is centered around military efforts in the form of intelligence, equipment, and financial aid valuing over $588 million, which began in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From 2020 to 2021, US$205 million was also donated in aid through OECD-DAC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This pledged support was announced as conditional on Mali's ability to uphold elections on an agreed timeframe. Although this election timeframe has not been upheld, USAID is currently giving to the distinct initiatives of Agriculture and Economic Growth, Education, Health, Humanitarian Assistance, Multi-Sectoral Nutrition, and Peace, Democracy, and Governance (PDG) Programs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The most recent coups, expulsion of foreign troops, and rejection of intergovernmental foreign aid has made these programs less stable, but has not slowed donations or halted the US support.
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| Template:Flag | 2 October 1987 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 October 1987 when has been accredited Ambassador of Mali to Zambia (resident in Cairo) Elbekaye Moctar Kounta.<ref name=":24">Template:Cite book</ref> |
See also
[edit]References
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