Fact Check: Mali Drops French Language in Favor of National Languages
What We Know
In June 2023, Malian voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that marked a significant change in the country's linguistic policy. The constitution demoted French from its status as the official language to that of a working language, while officially recognizing 13 national languages, including Bambara, Bobo, Dogon, and Minianka, as official languages of Mali (Washington Post, Africanews). This decision reflects a broader trend in Mali, where there is a growing sentiment against the influence of France, the country's former colonizer, and a push towards embracing local languages and cultures (Africa Feeds, OkayAfrica).
The new constitution was passed with approximately 97% approval from voters, although the turnout was less than 40% of eligible voters (Washington Post). The shift in language policy is seen as part of the military government's broader decolonial ambitions, particularly in light of Mali's increasing alignment with Russia and distancing from France (Africanews, Africa Feeds).
Analysis
The claim that Mali has dropped French as an official language in favor of national languages is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and Africanews both confirm that the new constitution, passed in June 2023, officially demotes French while recognizing 13 national languages. This change is significant in a country with over 70 local languages, as it aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage (OkayAfrica, Africa Feeds).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are reputable news organizations that provide comprehensive coverage of the political situation in Mali. The information is consistent across various reports, indicating a consensus on the constitutional changes and their implications. Additionally, the context of rising anti-French sentiment in Mali and the broader Sahel region adds depth to the understanding of this linguistic shift (Le Nation Mali, Africa Feeds).
However, it is important to note that while French is no longer the official language, it will still function as a working language. This dual status could lead to complexities in governance and communication, especially in a linguistically diverse nation (Africanews, OkayAfrica).
Conclusion
The claim that Mali has dropped French as an official language in favor of national languages is True. The constitutional changes approved by voters in June 2023 confirm this shift, reflecting a significant move towards recognizing and promoting local languages while simultaneously addressing the historical context of colonialism. The decision is emblematic of the current political climate in Mali, characterized by a desire to assert national identity and cultural heritage.
