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SAHEL REGION

MALI

The threat of terrorism and violent extremism have worsened in recent decades, become increasingly pronounced in the Central Sahel region of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The security challenges inherent in the sub-regional context, resulting from the increase in asymmetric threats and their various forms of manifestation as well as the outbreak of social tensions, have resulted in the advent of transitional regimes in the three countries of the Central Sahel and the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023. Mali became a GCERF partner country in 2016. To date, GCERF has invested USD 10.1 million in the country, with active grants worth USD 2 million currently supporting two local civil society organisations (CSOs).

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  • Mopti
  • Koulikoro
  • Bamako
  • Gao
  • Sikasso
Background and Context
Country Snapshot
Key Results
Investment Strategy
Story of Change
Background & Context

Understanding Violent
 Extremism in Mali

Over recent decades, the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism has intensified significantly, particularly in the Central Sahel region encompassing Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The sub-region’s growing security challenges—driven by the rise of asymmetric threats in their various forms and compounded by escalating social tensions—have contributed to the emergence of transitional governments in the three Central Sahel countries, as well as the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023.

Mali became a GCERF partner country in 2016. Since then, GCERF has invested USD 10.1 million in the country, including USD 2 million in active grants currently supporting two local civil society organisations (CSOs). These investments aim to strengthen community mobilisation and enhance the role of local authorities in addressing intercommunal conflicts. They also support the socio-economic reintegration of former combatants and prisoners, provide assistance to women survivors of violent extremism, and promote the participation of women and youth leaders in community-level conflict management mechanisms.

GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL

Country
 Support Mechanism

GCERF pioneers a unique model of investment designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).

GCERF in Mali is working with the government, through the country support mechanism, and bilateral and multilateral donors to ensure a coordinated approach to prevention. GCERF works with the Malian government to support the implementation of its national action plan and invests in local organisations that design and run programmes contributing to stability and resilience.

Download Country Snapshot
Key Drivers of Violent Extremism
High levels of youth employment

Limited access to stable employment and livelihood opportunities leaves many young people economically vulnerable and socially marginalised, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. In contexts where state presence and public services are weak, extremist groups often exploit these frustrations.

Recurrent farmer-herder conflicts

Competition over increasingly scarce natural resources—particularly land, water, and grazing areas—has intensified due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. In the absence of effective conflict-resolution mechanisms and adequate state presence, local disputes can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. Extremist groups often exploit these tensions.

Longstanding governance-related grievances

For decades, many communities have experienced a deep sense of marginalisation, fuelled by weak state presence, limited access to basic public services, corruption, and low levels of trust in national and local institutions. This has undermined the social contract between citizens and the state. Extremist groups frequently exploit these grievances.

Results at a Glance

Key Results

Total amount invested (USD)
$ 0 M
Grants
0
Civil society organisations
0
People receiving counselling, psychosocial support
0
Training in leadership skills, conflict resolution, peace advocacy
0
Community members engaged in interfaith, intercommunity and intergenerational dialogues to strengthen trust, tolerance and peaceful conflict management
0 +
People reached through newly developed and disseminated IEC, radio programmes and digital tools to increase their awareness and understanding about preventing violent extremism
0 M+

Investment & grant figures updated May 2026 · Programme results updated December 2025

Our Approach

Investment Strategy in Mali

Community trust icon
Contribute to improvements in the social ecology to create conditions conducive to prevention and resilience-building
Strengthen the capacity of multi-agency local bodies, first responders and government institutions to deliver effective R&R services
Our IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

Active Grants in Mali

Current Grants 1 Active
01 Femmes et Développement
▼
Grant Overview
Amount
USD 1,461,000
Duration
Jan 2023 – Dec 2026
Implementing Partners
Principal Recipient
Femmes et Développement (FEDE)
Sub-Recipients
Association Sinignèssigi
Programme Objectives
1
Strengthen the capacity of community mechanisms to enhance community resilience.
2
Implement information and communication campaigns through local radio stations to address gaps in knowledge about extremist ideologies.
3
Support the economic insertion of women and youth.
4
Set up an appropriate framework for women survivors of violent extremism.
Areas of Implementation
Mopti Socoura Soufroulaye Sio Bandiagara Koro
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