Mali Drops French as its Official Language after 63 Years

In a historic move, Mali has made the decision to drop French as its official language after 63 years. This significant change was initiated with the passing of a new constitution, which received massive support from the Malian people.
For over six decades, French has held the status of being the official language of Mali. However, under the new constitution, French will no longer hold this position. Instead, it will become the working language of the country, while 13 other national languages spoken in Mali will receive official language status.
This move reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. Mali boasts about 70 other local languages, and some of them, such as Bambara, Bobo, Dogon, and Minianka, were granted national language status back in 1982.
The decision to drop French as the official language comes at a pivotal time in Mali’s history. The country has experienced political instability, witnessing two coups in quick succession – one in August 2020 and another in May 2021. These events led to the rise of a military junta, with Colonel Assimi Goita taking the lead.
Under Goita’s leadership, the junta has emphasized the importance of the new constitution in rebuilding the country. Its implementation not only signifies the beginning of the Fourth Republic but also a step towards political stability and national unity.
While the junta initially promised to hold elections in February 2022, they were later postponed to February 2024. This delay sparked concern among Malians, who feared that the military might hold onto power for an extended period.
In this context, the decision to drop French as the official language holds great significance. It represents a break from the country’s colonial past and a move towards embracing its own cultural heritage. Moreover, the inclusion of multiple national languages as official languages demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the various communities that make up Mali.
The decision also reflects the growing anti-French sentiment across West Africa. Many countries in the region have been critical of France’s military interventions and perceived political interference.
Mali’s move to drop French as the official language can be seen as a response to this sentiment, asserting the country’s independence and sovereignty in matters of language and culture.