Mali has abandoned French as its official language under a new constitution that took effect Saturday.
According to the new text, French is relegated to working language level, while 13 national languages gain official language status.
In addition to language reform, the new constitution significantly expands the powers of the head of state. It states that the president of Mali determines the policy of the nation, appoints the head of government and ministers, and terminates their powers.
The president is also given the right to dissolve parliament and initiate lawmaking. A politician is entitled to hold the post of the head of state for no more than two five-year terms.
Furthermore, a second chamber of parliament, the Senate, and the Chamber of Accounts are created.
In June, Mali's electoral authority reported that about 97% of Malians voted in favor of the country's draft new constitution with a turnout of more than 38%.
Mali's Constitutional Court approved the referendum results on Saturday, and the same day Assimi Goita, leader of Mali's interim government, promulgated the constitution.
The military government that came to power in Mali in a coup in May 2021 had previously extended the transitional period until March 26, 2024.
After the coup, the transitional government promised to return civilian rule to the country and achieving the constitutional referendum is seen as an important step.