The National Anti-Corruption Week for 2025 officially commenced on December 9, 2025, in Bamako. The launch was presided over by Mamoudou Kassogué, Mali’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights. This annual event, designed to inform the public about ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, maintained its crucial theme from the previous year: “Uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity.”

During his address, Minister Kassogué underscored the critical need for widespread mobilization against the immense repercussions of corruption. He echoed former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s sentiment, describing corruption as an “insidious evil” that erodes democratic foundations, undermines the rule of law, and paves the way for organized crime and terrorism.

🎯 Transition Government’s Paramount Policy

The observance of this International Day, established by the United Nations on December 9, serves as a clear demonstration of the political will from Mali’s highest Transitional Authorities, particularly General of the Army Assimi Goïta. Their objective is an “unyielding and irreversible” campaign against this pervasive societal ill.

This week-long focus aligns with a broader state re-establishment process, demanding a fundamental shift in public administration practices and fostering citizens who embody integrity and patriotism.

Youth: Spearheading Transformative Change

The chosen theme highlights the generational responsibility of Malian youth, positioning them as the “spearhead” to overcome resistance and drive the transformation process. Minister Kassogué commended the remarkable engagement of youth movements in championing this vital cause.

🛡️ Judicial Measures: PNEF and ARGASC for Deterrence

The Ministry of Justice is firmly committed to implementing judicial reforms aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of the fight against economic and financial delinquency:

• The National Economic and Financial Hub (PNEF): This entity is dedicated to prosecuting financial criminals using contemporary techniques and resources.

• The Agency for the Recovery and Management of Seized or Confiscated Assets (ARGASC): Focuses intensely on the repatriation of substantial funds and assets illicitly siphoned from state coffers.

A Powerful Deterrent: “The synergistic operation of the PNEF and ARGASC will significantly enhance the deterrent effect against corruption and economic and financial crime, ensuring that the proceeds of illicit activities no longer benefit their perpetrators.”

Innovations within the New Penal Code

New provisions are set to strengthen judicial action, including:

• The imprescriptibility of criminal offenses related to economic and financial crimes involving public assets.

• The abolition of parliamentary privileges and immunities.

• Reinforced protection for whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims.

Modernization Tools in Progress

Further instruments are being rolled out to optimize the anti-corruption campaign:

• The free “Binkani Kunafoni” (3611) hotline, providing a direct channel for citizens to report corrupt practices.

• The imminent operationalization of the judicial IT platform, following a successful testing phase, to facilitate the dematerialization of legal files and combat corrupt activities.

🤝 Call for Enhanced Inter-Institutional Collaboration

The Minister stressed the imperative for strengthened cooperation and coordination among various complementary state bodies, such as:

• The Central Office for Combating Illicit Enrichment (OCLEI).

• The Office of the Auditor General (BVG).

• The Court of Accounts (established from the former Accounts Section of the Supreme Court following the adoption of the 2023 Constitution).

He reiterated that the initiative to establish a framework for consultation and coordination among all these structures would be pursued “without delay.”