Comparative Assessment of Decentralization in Africa: Mali Desk Study.

摘要

Mali's decentralization has its origins in, and is an integral part of, the country's democratization and democratic consolidation, which is viewed as a model in Africa. The process of decentralization began in earnest with the transition from the authoritarian regime of Moussa Traore in 1990 and has been considered by Malian rulers and citizens to be an intrinsic component of bringing governance closer to the people. Its relative success has relied greatly on the country's vibrant civil society, engaged citizenry and propensity for national dialogue. Malian decentralization was also born out of conflict. To a large extent, its impetus dates back to the Tuareg insurgency, which began in the latter days of the Traore regime. Tuareg demands for autonomy, first accepted in a ceasefire agreement in 1991, resulted in a general push toward decentralization in the 1992 Constitution. Although it took several more years for decentralization to be implemented, these events set in motion a remarkably thorough process with genuine local initiatives (such as the creation of communes from below by the participating villages).