Mali
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
21 / 100
Not Free
Though constitutional rule was restored and a peace agreement signed after a 2012 military coup, insecurity and political tensions have persisted in Mali in the years that followed, culminating in two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
Research & Recommendations
Mali
Not Free
21
100
| PR Political Rights | 3 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 18 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
24
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Mali experienced a political transition away from authoritarian rule beginning in the early 1990s and gradually built up its democratic institutions for about 20 years. State fragility and economic neglect led to an insurgency in northern Mali in January 2012 and a military coup in Bamako in March of the same year. Since then, Mali has been in a quasi-permanent state of crisis and reconstruction. Violent conflicts between the state and Islamist militants and insurgents affect northern and central Mali. A military coup in 2020 ushered in a junta-led transitional government, and a second coup in 2021 reinforced the military’s hold on power. A new constitution was ratified in 2023, but elections planned for 2024 were postponed and the junta remains firmly in control of the government.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
21
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 22,590,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
