In a surprising move, Mali has bid farewell to French as its official language after more than sixty years of independence. The decision was discreetly tucked into the newly approved constitution, which received an overwhelming 96.91% approval in a June referendum.
Mali’s 13 national languages will now take center stage as the official languages of the country. However, French will retain its position as the principal working language, akin to a “cool boss” who oversees while others handle the heavy lifting.
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The architect behind this linguistic transformation is Col. Assimi Goita, the driving force behind Mali’s entry into the Fourth Republic. With the formal implementation of the new constitution on July 22, Colonel Goita must have felt a sense of triumph similar to a child in a candy store.
Since the military takeover in 2020, Mali’s military has embraced the importance of the constitution in rebuilding the nation. However, their journey to constitutional stability has not been without hurdles. The country witnessed two coups, indicating a restless pursuit of a record-breaking feat. Initially promising elections for a return to democratic governance, the military rulers postponed the date to 2024, seemingly prioritizing other matters.
Amidst this linguistic shift, an intriguing development is the growing anti-France sentiments within Mali and its West African neighborhood. Once close allies, Mali and France have encountered a rough patch in their relationship. France’s perceived interference in political and military affairs has irked Mali’s military rulers, intensifying tensions between the two nations.
As Mali embraces its national languages and navigates its constitutional journey, the dynamics between the country and its former colonial power remain uncertain, adding a new layer of complexity to the evolving regional landscape.
