Cercles of Mali

Cercles of Mali

General Information
Name	Cercles of Mali
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	Administrative divisions
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map
Population
Total
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

The Cercles of Mali are the second-level administrative subdivisions in the country of Mali. They are a key part of the administrative structure, sitting below the regions and above the communes. Each cercle is composed of several communes, which are the smallest administrative units in Mali.

History

The concept of cercles was introduced during the French colonial period. The French administration established cercles as part of their system of governance in French West Africa. After Mali gained independence in 1960, the structure was retained and adapted to fit the new national administrative framework.

Administrative Structure

Mali is divided into several regions, and each region is further divided into cercles. As of the latest administrative division, there are 49 cercles in Mali. Each cercle is governed by a préfet, who is appointed by the central government. The préfet is responsible for implementing national policies at the local level and coordinating with the local communes.

Functions

Cercles serve several important functions in Mali's administrative system:

• Coordination of Local Governance: Cercles act as intermediaries between the regional and communal levels, ensuring that national policies are implemented effectively at the local level.
• Public Administration: They oversee the provision of public services such as education, health, and infrastructure within their jurisdiction.
• Security and Order: Cercles are responsible for maintaining security and public order, often working with local law enforcement agencies.

List of Cercles

Some of the notable cercles in Mali include:

• Bamako Cercle
• Kati Cercle
• Sikasso Cercle
• Kayes Cercle
• Mopti Cercle

Challenges

The cercles of Mali face several challenges, including:

• Resource Constraints: Many cercles lack the financial and human resources needed to effectively carry out their functions.
• Security Issues: In recent years, some cercles have been affected by insecurity due to armed conflicts and insurgencies.
• Decentralization: Efforts to decentralize governance have been ongoing, but progress has been slow, affecting the efficiency of cercles.

Also see

• Regions of Mali
• Communes of Mali
• Administrative divisions of Mali
• History of Mali