|
In 1991, a mix of Traoré’s handling of Touareg rebels in the North, his repeated refusals to consider political pluralism, and his open-fire policy toward strikers and rioters led Lt. Col. AmadouToumani Touré (ATT) to take control of the country and appoint a civilian, Soumana Sacko, to head a transitional government. From this ATT gained the status of national hero as he had given up power in favour of a democratic process following the coup he staged.
In 1992 multiparty elections were held and Alpha Konaré was elected as President. Konaré was reelected by a landslide in 1997, but could not run for a third term.
In May 2002 ATT came out of retirement to win the presidency, although the result was marred by allegations of irregularities.
Since then ATT even though he is widely respected for his peace efforts and humanitarian work, has had to face two government resignations without explanation October 2002, and again in April 2004.[1]
Mali is divided into 8 regions and the Capital District of Bamako and borders Senegal, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, Algeria and Mauritania.
More than half the population in Mali lack access to drinking water and more than three quarters are illiterate. From 1994 onwards 70% of the population are income poor. In 2000 after the adoption of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper by the Malian government, 80% of the government’s budget was covered by external donors.[2]
Mali ranks 172 out of 175 on the Human Development Index.[3] Life expectancy at birth for the total population is 44.8.[4] The country’s main health problems are:
- Malaria
- Measles
- Tetanus
- Respiratory infections
- Diarrhoea[4]
Adult HIV prevalence was estimated in 2001 at 1.7%. Many people working in the health sector believe that this number underestimates the true rate.
Mali also has a high Infant mortality rate of 141 per 1,000 live births in 2001 and Maternal mortality rate of 580 per 100,000 live births. [3]
Click here to read more about Mali’s Health System
For more information about Mali, please have a look at the following websites:
CIA World Factbook
UNDP Mali (in French)
References:
1. Mali. Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2004. ed: Encyclopedia.com, 2004.
2. United Nations Development Programme. UNDP Poverty Report 2000.
3. United Nations Development Programme. Human Development Report 2003. New York.
4. World Health Organisation Core Health Indicators - Mali: World Health Organisation, 2002.
Map from CIA World Factbook: www.cia.gov
Click here to go back to Mali main page
|
