Claim: In October, the Malian government pledged to offset some of its domestic debt worth 200 billion CFA francs, the equivalent of around US$332 million. Social media posts widely shared in English and French, particularly in West Africa, now allege the country no longer has debt. The claim is propagated by supporters of the Malian military regime, in power since a 2021 coup. But the posts are false: the economy minister pledged payment of 200 billion CFA before the end of the year. The country, led by military officer Assimi Goïta, still carries significant public debt, reflected in the government's financial records.
Fact-check: Posts claiming Mali is the first debt-free country in Africa are false
Verdict: posts claiming mali is the first debt-free country in africa are false
Organisation: AFP Fact Check
Author: Monique Ngo Mayag;Oluseyi Awojulugbe
Date published: 2024-12-10T13:59:00