Since Ousmane Sonko stepped down as Mali’s Prime Minister on May 22, 2026, the organizational structure of the government services under his successor has undergone significant adjustments. The changes, outlined in decree n° 2025-1431, reflect a broader reallocation of state responsibilities and a strategic strengthening of the Prime Minister’s office.
The transition from Sonko to Al Aminou Lô has not only reshaped administrative portfolios but also redefined how key government functions operate. The decree, issued following a recent government reshuffle, formalizes the redistribution of roles among the Presidency, the Prime Ministry, and various ministries, altering the operational framework of the Prime Ministry.
From Sonko to Lô: a shift in governance
Ousmane Sonko’s tenure at the helm of the government laid the groundwork for some of the most notable changes. His administration introduced several new structures through decree n° 2025-1929, including the Reform Monitoring and Orientation Unit, the Services Inspection Unit, and the Asset Valorization and Recycling Initiative Committee—established by decree n° 2025-1605. Additionally, a dedicated Procurement Commission was created to oversee government acquisitions, while the General Secretariat of the Government was expanded with a new unit tasked with preparing Council of Ministers sessions and tracking institutional dossiers.
With Al Aminou Lô now at the helm, the administrative landscape has shifted once again. His office has absorbed the Technical Secretariat of the National Local Content Monitoring Committee, previously under the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines. Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of the Government has relinquished control of several units now reporting to other ministries. For instance, the National Civic Service and Volunteering Directorate has been placed under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while the Government Information and Communication Bureau—formerly led by journalist Mame Gor Ngom—now falls under the Ministry of Communication and Institutional Relations. Similarly, the National Observatory of Detention Facilities has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
streamlined communication under the new administration
One of the most striking reforms involves the elimination of the State Secretary position for Institutional Relations and Government Spokesperson within the Prime Ministry. This role has been replaced by a full-fledged minister, now serving as the official government spokesperson. The change underscores a deliberate effort to streamline communication channels and align the Prime Ministry’s operations with the executive’s evolving priorities.