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script for mali saga presentation

MODIBO KEITA
Was the first president of independent Mali. A panafricanist, through and through, he sought to keep the Mali federation together, but when this failed, declared independence for Mali on September 22, 1960. His politics were strictly socialist and emphasised independence from European powers. Unfortunately several of the ways he did these had detrimental effects on the economy and resulted in social unrest. During his presidency employment was up as the many socialized enterprises provided jobs but the Malian franc was virtually worthless, and corruption grew. Against the preference of much of his government, Keita went to France for help and the devaluation of the currency was a popular move with his more moderate followers. However, to satisfy the majority he continued in radical moves against dissent and in an attempt to appear as though he sought to eradicate corruption, ‘cleansed’ his government of dissenters as well.

MOUSSA TRAORE
Overthrew Keita in a coup in 1968. They opposed Keita and his militia but little was said against the socialist policies that ensured high employment rates. Unfortunately this new government became more dangerous than the previous one. The army replaced the militia, the government was not unified and before long people began to suggest Keita should return. 1974 brought a new constitution, and with it, a single party state, barring membership to supporters of Keita. The previous president’s suspicious death brought out more evidence of Traore’s unpopularity. He did not help matters by reducing state owned enterprises and the employment therein, although the growth of the private sector would be considered a wise move for long term economic improvement.
Mali returned to the CFA franc for her currency, a move followed closely by a disastrous drought and growing dependence on international aid. The government made significant moves to oppose corruption but the integrity in such cases was questionable.

AMADOU TOUMANI TOURE Played a significant role in the overthrow of Traore and though he immediately gave up the power he could have claimed and the 1992 elections handed power to Alpha Oumar Konare. His ten years on power are marked for their democratic consistency, and management of rebellions by the Tuaregs. Konare also memorialised Keita and was successful in maintaining his popularity by such moves as proved his alliegence to the Malian economy, independence and panafricanism.
The 2002 elections put Toure in power after over ten years of faithful service to Mali and West Africa. His government includes members from all political partys, of which he belongs to none.

The possibilities that are blossoming in Mali are surprising considering the minimal amount of attention the country receives on the world stage. For a long time Cotton has been the main export and has monopolised agriculture in the country. Unfortunately world market prices for this top quality cotton are ridiculously low. 1st world countries are quite proud of the huge amounts of money they give in aid to many countries in similar situations. But will these same countries raise the world market prices to allow Mali and others to become independent and erase the need for aid.
The resources within Mali are mind boggling – a huge variety of minerals – but unfortunately far too many benefit other countries, and not only does Mali miss out, but its land and people pay a high price. One example of this is in the gold mines owned by Randgold Resources and Anglogold Ashanti. In these cases the benefits go to South Africa and the companies’ investors – few of who, I imagine, are Malian.
Two industries whose growth would do wonders are agriculture and tourism. Agricultural diversity would give the country more stability and less reliance on a single world market. Tourism would bring more money in from outside countries and the possibilities for such are considerable. Mali is home to Timbuktoo, the Niger river, the edge of the Sahara, and remarkable cultural diversity. The country has moved forward in other areas that make this attractive, for example, the internet is widely available.
While the growth of the private sector has been attempted in less than desirable ways, this very area will be of great significance in a stable economy for the future of Mali. The IFC has promised assistance in this and hopefully will make a difference. As would foreign investment but there will need to be certain changes to make this attractive.
Fortunately, there is little reason to believe this cannot occur. Mali has met the high criteria set by American Aid organisations and for the immediate future at least this will probably be necessary. More significant, perhaps, is Mali’s meeting of the high criteria that requires standards many would suggest even the US does live up to.

posted by Amy @ 7:01 PM