Mali moves to regulate civilian drones amid security concerns

During a regular session of the Council of Ministers of Mali held last week at the Koulouba Palace under the presidency of General Assimi Goïta, Head of State and President of the Transition, the government adopted a draft decree regulating civilian drones and their accessories.

Proposed by the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, the measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen counterterrorism operations and protect citizens’ privacy; two critical challenges facing the country.

Civilian drones, defined as unmanned aircraft used for professional, commercial, recreational, or scientific purposes, are becoming increasingly common in Mali.

However, their growing use has raised concerns over national security and personal privacy.

The new decree aims to establish a strict regulatory framework, setting clear rules for the acquisition, operation, and monitoring of drones.

This is intended to curb potential misuse while encouraging responsible technological development.

As Mali continues to face persistent security threats, the government seeks to balance technological innovation with safety imperatives.

By regulating civilian drones, authorities hope to prevent their diversion for terrorist or criminal purposes, while still permitting legitimate applications in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and research.

The adoption of this decree reflects a proactive push by the Malian government to modernize its legal toolkit and adapt to evolving technologies.

Titi KEITA