Malian Transition President Assimi Goïta has received the final report of the National Justice Forum, containing 218 recommendations aimed at reforming the country’s judicial system and restoring public confidence.
The recommendations, adopted nine months ago following consultations involving around 500 participants, focus on strengthening the training and recruitment of justice professionals, evaluating magistrates, digitizing judicial procedures and criminal records, improving internal oversight, and upgrading prison conditions. They are expected to be incorporated into Mali’s 2026–2035 Ten-Year Justice Sector Development Programme.
The reforms come as public confidence in the justice system remains a major challenge, with concerns over the cost and delays of proceedings and unequal treatment before the law. An Afrobarometer survey found that 52% of Malians trust the courts, although 57% believe citizens are frequently treated differently under the law.
Mali has already introduced a new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, while authorities have outlined a multi-billion CFA franc programme to modernize the sector.
The government must now determine the priorities, financing and timeline for implementing the 218 recommendations, with citizens ultimately judging the reforms by concrete improvements in access to justice, reduced delays and costs, accountability and equal treatment before the law.
