The 27th statutory meeting of the presidents of the Courts of Auditors of UEMOA member states and advisors kicked off in Bamako, Mali. The week-long gathering brings together top officials to discuss pressing issues affecting the region. These include evaluating accounting control systems, analyzing debt, and assessing public finance situations following recent political changes. The meeting aims to enhance cooperation and efficiency in external control of public finances within the UEMOA community.
The meeting will evaluate accounting control systems in UEMOA member states and review results from financial controls conducted by national financial courts and the UEMOA Court of Auditors for the 2025 financial year. Participants will also assess progress made on recommendations from the 26th meeting held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Strengthening exchanges and cooperation among institutions is a key objective, aiming to increase the effectiveness and quality of external public finance control.
Mali's Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousseni Sanou, emphasized the importance of the meeting's agenda items. These include evaluating accounting control systems, analyzing debt, and assessing public finance situations post-political transitions. Sanou highlighted Mali's commitment to community cooperation and implementing reforms for harmonized public finances and transparency. He cited the July 22, 2023 Constitution, which elevated the Court of Auditors to a sixth institution of the Republic.
UEMOA Court of Auditors President, Ségnon Yvré Marie-Adissin, stated that the meeting aims to consolidate a robust, harmonized, and professional financial control system within the community. He stressed that citizens expect the Courts of Auditors to be reliable watchdogs and levers of public governance. The session will examine debt control, methodological approaches, and best practices for auditing public debt.
The meeting will also focus on adopting a harmonized practical guide for the functioning of judicial records. Participants will review activities, training, and capacity-building conducted in 2025 for UEMOA financial court personnel. These efforts aim to enhance the quality and effectiveness of external public finance control.
Roberto Vierra, Resident Representative of the UEMOA Commission in Mali, praised Mali's efforts toward transparency and good governance. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration between national and regional institutions to strengthen citizen and international partner trust. Vierra noted that the ceremony occurs at a pivotal moment in Mali's financial jurisdiction history.
The UEMOA Court of Auditors meeting will conclude with a renewed commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in public finance management. Key outcomes are expected to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen the role of financial courts in ensuring good governance. The meeting demonstrates Mali's and UEMOA's dedication to improving public financial management and control.
Key points
- The 27th UEMOA Court of Auditors meeting focuses on evaluating accounting control systems, analyzing debt, and assessing public finance situations.
- Mali's Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized the country's commitment to community cooperation and implementing reforms for harmonized public finances and transparency.
- The meeting aims to consolidate a robust, harmonized, and professional financial control system within the UEMOA community.
