Mali Adopts New Law to Protect Stateless People
Above: People hold a Mali flag in Djenee, on June 12, 2025. Image copyright: Ousmane MakaveliAFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Mali’s new law is a step in the right direction and a statement of the government’s intent to tackle statelessness in the country. By codifying a host of new protections and pathways to naturalization, Mali is offering the most marginalized in society the opportunity to establish a nationality and a more secure future.
Cynical narrative
While the law appears progressive on paper, implementation remains the real test given Mali’s limited administrative capacity. The country still faces persistent obstacles, including inadequate data collection, low public awareness, and constrained financial resources that could undermine these efforts.