Mali ratifies law to revoke citizenship for actions against national interests

Mali’s National Transitional Council (CNT) has unanimously ratified an ordinance amending the Code of Persons and Family, granting the state the power to strip both Malian-born and naturalized citizens of their nationality.

The new law allows for the revocation of citizenship for individuals accused of acting against the interests of the nation. Specific grounds for this measure include pledging allegiance to another state, collaborating with terrorist, secessionist, or hostile organizations, and engaging in or financing terrorism. The legislation also extends to certain former public officials and civil society leaders deemed to have acted against national interests.

To prevent statelessness, the government is prohibited from revoking citizenship if the action would leave the individual without nationality in any country. This legislative move follows similar shifts toward increased state authority in the Sahel region, such as Burkina Faso’s recent decision to reinstate the death penalty for offenses including terrorism and treason.