Mali Strengthens Control of Civilian Drones With Government Decree
Mali Strengthens Control of Civilian Drones With Government Decree
Civilian drones, including those used for professional, commercial, recreational, agricultural, and photographic purposes, are proliferating rapidly.
⏫ The growth is reportedly driven by:
🟠low prices,
🟠ease of piloting,
🟠improving performance.
However, this expansion raises several concerns:
🟠Air safety, including the overflight of restricted areas;
🟠Privacy and data protection;
🟠Risks to sensitive infrastructure.
The most significant concern is the potential hijacking of drones by armed groups for illegal surveillance, reconnaissance, or even transporting explosives or dangerous goods, a phenomenon already reported in the Sahel.
To address these risks, a new draft decree, led by the minister of security and civil protection, aims to:
🟠Strictly regulate the acquisition, possession, and use of drones;
🟠Clarify the obligations of pilots and operators;
🟠Strengthen the prevention of misuse or terrorist activities;
🟠Protect airspace and public safety.
The decree does not impose a total ban but establishes a legal framework that allows for innovation, such as precision agriculture, mapping, and audiovisual production, while limiting risks in a sensitive security context.
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