FBA in Mali

The conflict in Mali has been ongoing since 2012, when Tuareg rebels and radical Islamists joined forces to take control of the northern part of the country. In 2015, a peace agreement was signed between the rebels and the government. However, following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the governing military regime annulled the agreement.

From 2013 to 2023, the UN maintained a peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, which was considered the most dangerous UN mission in the world due to its high number of fatalities. MINUSMA was tasked with stabilizing the country, protecting civilians from violence, and helping to reestablish government control across Mali.

FBA's mission in Mali will not be renewed after the current strategy period ends prematurely at the turn of the year 2024-2025. Throughout 2024, we have gradually phased out our strategic activities in collaboration with partner organizations in Mali.

Within the framework of Sweden’s development cooperation with Mali, FBA's work has focused on three areas:

Women, peace and security
Gender-based violence is pervasive in Mali, and exacerbated by the conflict. Nevertheless, women are largely excluded from the peace process. In cooperation with UN Women, FBA supports the drafting of Mali’s new national action plan for women, peace and security. FBA has also funded a study on women’s access to the Mali peace process.

Dialogue and peace mediation
The Malian Ministry of Reconciliation in the capital city of Bamako is currently establishing regional dialogue and peace mediation teams, tasked with preventing and solving local conflicts around the country. FBA offers training and expert advice for key actors involved in the process. In addition, FBA has developed a dialogue and mediation handbook for the Malian Ministry of Reconciliation and the regional teams belonging to it.

Security sector reform
The presence of state security actors, such as the military and police, is weak in the northern and central parts of Mali. FBA has funded a study done by the Malian National Institute of Statistics, on the perception of security among 15,000 households in various parts of the country. The results of the study provide a baseline for Malian authorities in the design of reforms of the security sector.

Click here to read the entire strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Mali 2021–2025.

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FBA new important contributor to Sweden’s development cooperation strategy for Mali

Intensified support to the peace process in Mali

International commitment important in conflict-affected Mali

Photo: UN Photo/Harandane Dicko