Islam and Politics in Mali: What Stakes? ()
ABSTRACT
The
appearance of Islam in Mali dates from the thirteenth century (period of the
empire of Mali). The main actors of this Islamization were the traders and the
Almoravids. From this time to now Islam remains popular as well as its leaders.
Religious leaders are the interface between public administration and society. Mali opted for democracy in 1991, which
created more political openness, particularly in terms of public
freedoms. Therefore, we are witnessing the rise of Muslim influence in the
democratic game. This fact provokes the debate on the place of Islam in
political life. The distinction between politics and religion is necessary, but
it does not absolutely forbid Muslim actors from taking a democratic stand on
issues relating to the life of the nation. The religious space is characterized
by the multiplication of sects and the competition between its actors. This
phenomenon is reinforced by the support of the powers of the Muslim world which
are in logic of ideological competition. The security issue in Mali
deteriorated by the terrorist attacks worries Mali and its Western partners.
This fear is related to the will expressed by Muslim leaders displaying Islam
as a source of social rules. Many observers believe that this will threaten the
universal values of democracy.
Share and Cite:
Samake, B. (2019) Islam and Politics in Mali: What Stakes?.
Open Journal of Political Science,
9, 538-548. doi:
10.4236/ojps.2019.93031.
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