The data displayed is based on information from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. To learn more about this data and trend indicator values that it represents visit: https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers
This assessment received government comments and feedback on the finalised data. These comments have been incorporated into the assessment at the GDI research team’s discretion. Usually the comments received highlight where a bill is in formulation, or has recently passed into law, and this has been missed by the country assessor. Only comments which are grounded in evidence are incorporated into the assessment.
Mali
Band
E
Corruption risk
Very High
Mali Country Brief
Mali AssessmentMali’s defence sector shows some positive practices, including partial budget publication, accurate payment system, and rules on institutional beneficial ownership. However, pervasive governance gaps persist politicised appointments, weak personnel controls, opaque procurement exempt from oversight, and the absence of democratic scrutiny or effective audits leave the sector very highly vulnerable to corruption and executive interference.
Risk categories
Political
Band
E
28/100
Risk
Very High
Financial
Band
E
25/100
Risk
Very High
Personnel
Band
D
39/100
Risk
High
Operational
Band
F
7/100
Risk
Critical
Procurement
Band
E
20/100
Risk
Very High
Relevant Updates
Press Release: Every country assessed in Sub-Saharan Africa at high to critical risk of defence corruption, Governance Defence Integrity Index (GDI) reveals
Press release from Transparency International UK, 19 March 2026 For more information or interviews…
Roadmaps for reforms: Strengthening resilience to defence corruption in Nigeria, Tunisia, Niger and Mali
January 15, 2025 – Transparency International – Defence & Security (TI-DS) today launches a…
Relevant Publications
Mali’s defence sector: Systemic corruption risk amidst escalating violence
This policy brief aims to highlight findings from the 2020 Government Defence Integrity Index…
Hidden Costs: US private military and security companies and the risks of corruption and conflict
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Explore results on mapRelevant Pages
Mali
This project is conducted in collaboration with CRI-2002 in Mali Corruption is widely recognized…