On August 13, 2026, Mali's President of the Transition issued Ordinance No. 2026-021/PT-RM, which modifies Article 235 of the 2011 Law No. 2011-087. This law, which governs the code of persons and the family, now includes provisions for the loss of Malian nationality. The new ordinance was adopted after a Council of Ministers meeting and consultation with the Supreme Court.
According to the new provisions, a Malian individual can be stripped of their nationality if they pledge allegiance or make a formal declaration of allegiance to a state hostile to Mali. This also applies to those who have held positions of responsibility in state institutions, local authorities, or organizations and offer their services to a foreign state or entity that combats Mali's interests.
The ordinance also targets individuals who have held positions of responsibility in cooperative bodies, recognized public utility associations, or organizations with secessionist or terrorist goals. Those who are part of terrorist organizations or engage in activities that promote terrorism, finance it, or glorify it can also face loss of nationality.
In the case of naturalized Malians, the loss of nationality can occur if they are convicted of crimes against the internal or external security of the state. A conviction resulting in a prison sentence of ten years or more for a crime under Malian law can also lead to the loss of nationality. Additionally, evading military recruitment obligations can result in the loss of nationality for naturalized citizens.
Naturalized Malians can also lose their nationality if they affiliate with a terrorist organization or one that aims to divide Mali, engage in terrorist acts, finance terrorism, or cooperate with a foreign state or organization to destabilize Mali. Those who engage in acts incompatible with their status as Malians, which are prejudicial to Mali's fundamental interests, can also be stripped of their nationality.
An important safeguard is included in the new provisions: no Malian of origin can be rendered stateless. This protection ensures that while the state can withdraw nationality in certain circumstances, it cannot leave an individual without any nationality.
The new ordinance represents a significant shift in how Mali approaches nationality and allegiance. By specifying conditions under which nationality can be revoked, the government aims to protect national interests and security. Individuals, whether of origin or naturalized, are expected to adhere to these new regulations to maintain their Malian nationality.
Key points
- The ordinance outlines specific conditions for loss of Malian nationality, including pledging allegiance to a hostile state or engaging in terrorist activities.
- Naturalized Malians can lose their nationality if convicted of certain crimes or if they fail to meet military recruitment obligations.
- The ordinance includes a safeguard to prevent rendering Malians of origin stateless.
