The Malian government has initiated a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue of begging in the country. On September 24, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga launched the operational phase of the National Strategy to Combat Begging and its first action plan for 2026-2028. This strategy aims to address the social factors that contribute to begging, rather than simply removing beggars from the streets.
The government attributes the growth of begging in urban and semi-urban areas to economic difficulties faced by certain households. The phenomenon is also believed to have negative consequences on child protection, social cohesion, and human development. According to the government's document, adopted in June and approved by decree in August, the situation of children is a major concern, with at least 2.4 million children engaged in hazardous work, including forced begging.
The strategy focuses on four main areas to reduce begging. Firstly, it aims to develop economic alternatives and promote the reintegration of vulnerable individuals. Secondly, it seeks to strengthen parental responsibility and family involvement. Thirdly, it plans to improve the supervision and support of Quranic schools. Finally, it aims to gradually integrate religious education into the national education system.
The government has allocated over 5 billion FCFA to finance the plan, which was presented to the International Labor Organization in June. A mapping of begging hotspots was also announced, but the exact amount mobilized for its execution has not been disclosed. The strategy's first action plan covers the period 2026-2028 and aims to reduce vulnerability, protect children, support families, and improve educational supervision.
The situation of children is a key aspect of the strategy, with a focus on prevention and protection. According to UNICEF, poverty, inadequate education, and insufficient protection mechanisms are factors associated with child begging. The organization estimates that 2.4 million children were engaged in hazardous work in 2018, including forced begging.
The government emphasizes that its approach is not repressive, but rather social, and prioritizes the protection of children, family responsibility, and educational inclusion. During the launch, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga summarized the approach as "child protection, family responsibility, support for Quranic teachers, inclusive education, and reintegration."
The strategy's success will depend on its effective implementation and the mobilization of resources. The government aims to address the root causes of begging, rather than just its symptoms, and to provide vulnerable individuals with alternatives to begging. The plan's impact will be monitored and evaluated over the coming years.
Key points
- The Malian government has launched a comprehensive strategy to tackle begging, focusing on prevention, protection, and social reintegration.
- The plan aims to address the root causes of begging, including economic difficulties, inadequate education, and insufficient protection mechanisms.
- The government has allocated over 5 billion FCFA to finance the plan, which will be implemented over the period 2026-2028.
