The National Anti-Corruption Week for 2025 officially began on December 9, 2025, in Bamako, Mali. The launch event was presided over by Mamoudou Kassogué, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights. This annual initiative, designed to raise public awareness about anti-corruption efforts, maintained the impactful theme from the previous year: “Uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity.”
During his address, Minister Kassogué emphasized the critical need for a collective response to the “immeasurable” repercussions of corruption. He referenced former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who described corruption as an “insidious evil” that erodes democratic principles, undermines the rule of law, and creates fertile ground for organized crime and terrorism.
🎯 A Core Political Commitment for the Transition
The observance of this International Day, recognized globally by the UN on December 9, powerfully demonstrates the unwavering political resolve of Mali’s Highest Transitional Authorities, particularly General Assimi Goïta. Their commitment is to wage an “implacable and irreversible” battle against this pervasive scourge.
This week-long event is integral to the broader process of state refoundation, which necessitates a fundamental shift in paradigms regarding public affairs management and the cultivation of citizens imbued with values of integrity and patriotism.
Youth: The Vanguard of Transformation
The chosen theme highlights the generational imperative for Malian youth to act as the “vanguard” in overcoming resistance and spearheading the change process. Minister Kassogué commended the “remarkable” mobilization of youth movements rallying around this vital cause.
🛡️ Judicial Resolve: PNEF and ARGASC for Effective Deterrence
The Ministry of Justice reiterates its strong determination to implement comprehensive judicial reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the fight against economic and financial delinquency:
The National Economic and Financial Hub (PNEF): Focuses on prosecuting financial criminals using advanced techniques and modern resources.
The Agency for the Recovery and Management of Seized or Confiscated Assets (ARGASC): Prioritizes the recuperation of substantial sums and assets illicitly removed from state coffers.
A Potent Deterrent: “The combined efforts of the PNEF and ARGASC will significantly bolster the deterrent effect against corruption and economic and financial crime, ensuring that the proceeds of crime can no longer benefit their perpetrators.”
Innovations within the New Penal Code
Several 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 privileges and immunities previously held by parliamentarians.
Enhanced protection for whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims involved in corruption cases.
Modernization Tools for the Fight
Further tools are being deployed to optimize anti-corruption efforts:
The free green hotline “Binkani Kunafoni” (3611), established for citizens to report corrupt practices anonymously.
The imminent operationalization of the judicial IT platform, following a successful test phase, to facilitate the dematerialization of judicial files and combat corrupt practices.
🤝 Call for Inter-Institutional Synergy
The Minister underscored the imperative for enhanced collaboration and cooperation among various state entities with complementary mandates, which include:
The Central Office for the Fight Against 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 affirmed that the project to establish a framework for consultation and coordination among all these structures would be advanced “without delay.”