The Pôle National Économique et Financier (PNEF) in Mali has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against corruption and financial delinquency. Under the leadership of its President, Mme Waïgalo Malado Gouro Bocoum, the PNEF's Chambre Correctionnelle Spécialisée has recorded a correctional case treatment rate of over 100% in both 2024 and 2025. This achievement is a testament to the PNEF's commitment to effectively handling complex economic and financial cases.
The PNEF was established to address the need for a specialized judicial body to handle increasingly technical and complex financial crimes. Mme Bocoum, who is also the President of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de la Commune III du district de Bamako, has extensive experience in handling economic and financial cases, having previously served as a juge d'instruction at the PNEF. Her expertise has earned her respect within the judicial community.
According to Mme Bocoum, the reform aimed at merging the three economic and financial poles into a single entity has several objectives, including strengthening the specialization of magistrates and investigators, improving the quality of investigations, accelerating the treatment of procedures, and ensuring better coordination between the justice system and control structures. The PNEF's creation is a response to the need to adapt the judicial system to increasingly technical crimes that can compromise the good management of public goods.
In 2024, the Chambre Correctionnelle Spécialisée held 42 hearings, received 60 cases, and judged 69 cases, achieving a treatment rate of 115%. All 69 judgments were written by December 31, 2024, and the minutes were transmitted to the Agence de Recouvrement, de Gestion des Avoirs Saisis ou Confisqués. In 2025, the ministry of justice reported 41 hearings, 108 cases enrolled, and 119 judgments rendered, resulting in a treatment rate of 110.18%.
The PNEF's ten (10) Cabinets d'instruction also achieved significant results. In 2024, they closed 126 cases, with a treatment rate of 70.78%. In 2025, they rendered 148 ordinances and 817 other decisions, achieving a treatment rate of 116.53%. These results demonstrate the PNEF's commitment to effectively handling economic and financial cases.
Mme Bocoum's leadership and commitment to justice have earned her recognition. She received the Prix de l'Excellence et de la Référence Féminine en matière de Gouvernance Judiciaire at the 3rd edition of PALEM DUBAI 2026. Her integrity and leadership have been praised by many observers of the judicial scene, who see her as a champion of a strong and credible justice system.
The PNEF's achievements demonstrate its critical role in Mali's fight against corruption and financial delinquency. With its specialized judicial body and experienced leadership, the PNEF is well-equipped to handle complex economic and financial cases. Its success serves as a model for other institutions and a testament to the importance of a strong and independent judiciary in promoting good governance and accountability.
Key points
- The PNEF achieved a correctional case treatment rate of over 100% in both 2024 and 2025.
- Mme Waïgalo Malado Gouro Bocoum's leadership has been instrumental in the PNEF's success.
- The PNEF's reform aims to strengthen the specialization of magistrates and investigators, improve the quality of investigations, and ensure better coordination between the justice system and control structures.
