The Malian Constitutional Court has endorsed a new law that increases the maximum number of government members to 30.
The decision, made on August 25, 2025, formalizes a change adopted by the National Transitional Council (NTC) and aims to better structure the executive branch during the country’s transition.
The organic law, which now sets the government’s size at 30 members (including deputy ministers and secretaries of state), replaces the previous limit of 25 established by the October 2020 Transition Charter. This reform was adopted by the NTC on December 5, 2024, with broad support from 129 votes and no opposition.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga and formed in late 2024, consists of 28 members. This number is seen as a compromise between the need for an expanded administration and the goal of streamlining resources during the transition.
Context across the Sahel
Mali’s decision to reorganize its government is a shared trend among its regional neighbors. Burkina Faso formed a transitional government of 24 ministers after its January 2022 coup, aiming to maximize efficiency by reducing the number of ministries. Niger appointed a 21-member transitional government in August 2023 following its July 2023 coup.
While the exact numbers vary, these adjustments reflect a common regional desire to reorganize leadership, enhance administrative efficiency, and address shared security challenges.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA