After the Tuareg-led rebellion in 2011 and the subsequent occupation of the country’s northern territories by extremist groups, Mali was plunged into a state of insecurity and chaos. The post-election challenges are immense and multifaceted, although a legitimate government is currently in place and a semblance of stability exists in the country. The post election challenges include issues of poor governance, underdevelopment, fractured army, reunification of Mali, the Tuareg rebellion, transnational organised crime, terrorism and humanitarian crises. This Policy Brief examines three of the post-election challenges critical to the stability of Mali, namely, the reunification of the state, development and governance deficits, and the reform of the armed forces. It then offers recommendations on how Mali, with the support of the international community, can overcome these challenges to ensure sustainable peace. The paper argues that while there are many problems confronting Mali, prioritizing and surmounting these three challenges will pay greater dividends in the long term and consolidate the country’s peace and stability.
