The illusion of progress: how Mali’s military regime is tightening its grip on economic freedom

After systematically silencing dissent, shuttering independent media outlets, and casting a shadow over free speech, authoritarian systems inevitably turn their attention to a final hurdle: the economic independence of the populace. History shows that total control over a nation requires more than just policing thoughts; it requires dominating how citizens earn their living and put food on the table.

The current military transition in Mali has recently demonstrated this predictable shift. Under the guise of a polished administrative initiative—the high-profile signing of a “Charter for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)”—the regime is entering a new phase of consolidation. While official propaganda paints this as a supportive hand extended to “structure” the private sector, it is effectively a political takeover of the right to conduct business.

Economic oversight as the final pillar of authority

In a country where the informal economy sustains over 90% of the population and serves as the primary lifeline for youth and women, this sudden push for regulation is far from innocent. In any dictatorial framework, the informal sector is viewed as a threat because it exists outside the state’s reach, beyond the ledgers and registries that allow for direct government surveillance.

By attempting to label, categorize, and bind small-scale traders, artisans, and transporters to new state-defined criteria, the authorities are not seeking to streamline business. Instead, they are extending their reach. With financial institutions and public aid mechanisms now closely aligned with the ruling power, this charter establishes a framework for political clientelism. Moving forward, the ability to secure credit, win public contracts, or even operate legally may depend entirely on one’s political loyalty or silence regarding the regime’s actions.

Ignoring the crisis of energy and finance

The official narrative claims to address the financial and energy crises currently strangling the Mali economic landscape. However, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Data indicates that nearly 40% of formal businesses identify chronic power outages and a lack of access to credit as their most significant obstacles.

New regulations and ceremonies at the National Employers’ Council will not fix broken generators or lower interest rates. By focusing on a new bureaucratic framework rather than addressing failing infrastructure, the authorities are merely masking their inability to provide the basic services essential for a functioning economy.

The indivisibility of freedom

The trajectory of autocratic regimes proves that freedoms cannot be compartmentalized. It is impossible to seize political liberty without eventually seizing economic liberty as well.

By first stifling freedom of expression, the government ensured that entrepreneurs burdened by heavy taxes or persistent blackouts could no longer voice their grievances publicly. Now, by targeting the freedom to innovate under the pretext of “structuring” the market, the Mali regime is attempting to close the last remaining window of citizen autonomy: the ability to survive without being beholden to the military leadership. This brand of economic centralization has historically led to nothing but widespread poverty and the collapse of private initiative.