Theories and Practices of Decentralization: The Tuaregs Mali: Between Promise Reality

Mali has experienced several uprisings by the Tuareg population. During the most recent uprising (1995-1996), they demanded special status for northern Mali, which requires decentralization. The Malian government, under pressure from the general civilian population, international institutions (World Bank, IMF), and development cooperation organizations (French, Swiss, Dutch, etc.), did not reject this demand. With decentralization, civil society and the Tuaregs would regain control over their territories and their development. For international organizations, decentralization would be the magic potion to lift the country out of underdevelopment. For the Malian government, decentralization is a strategy to regain its legitimacy, to end the Tuareg conflict, and to receive funds from these institutions. Thus, all stakeholders stand to gain from the intention to adopt this process. The development of the nomadic Tuareg populations in northern Mali faces persistent obstacles that decentralization has yet to resolve.

Pagina's: 96, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing