Since 1992, Mali has managed to preserve its democracy in the face of great odds. Continued vigilance will be needed, however, to prevent the gains of the past decade from slipping away.
About the Author
Zeric Kay Smith, a senior research associate with Management Systems International in Washington, D.C., was formerly a visiting assistant professor of government and international studies and a resident fellow at the Walker Institute for International Studies at the University of South Carolina. He has published extensively on Malian, African, and Caribbean politics.
Contrary to the widespread perception that Mauritania has moved toward democracy, this troubled country faces continued ethnic tensions and the prospect of increasing repression.
Following a military coup in 1999 and flawed and violence-ridden elections in 2000, democracy in Côte d’Ivoire faces an uphill battle against the forces of xenophobia and ethnic chauvinism.
