Authorities in northern Mali have announced the suspension of salaries for 151 teachers who have been absent from their posts for extended periods due to ongoing insecurity in the region. This decision comes as the country grapples with a severe education crisis, with more than half of the schools in the Menaka region closed.
According to local officials, 53% of schools in Menaka have remained shuttered, a direct result of escalating violence and insecurity in the area. The region has witnessed a surge in militant activity, making it increasingly difficult for teachers and students to attend school. The lack of security has caused widespread disruption to education in northern Mali, leaving many children without access to regular schooling.
In response to the absences, authorities had issued a formal warning to the affected teachers in February 2025, urging them to return to their duties by March 3. However, many teachers have failed to comply with the directive. As a result, the government has decided to implement salary suspensions starting from April 1, 2025, for those who have not returned to their schools.
The suspension of salaries is part of a broader effort to address the education crisis and encourage teachers to resume their work despite the challenges posed by insecurity. Local education officials have emphasized the urgency of resolving the crisis, noting that prolonged absences could jeopardize the future of students in the region.
Despite the salary suspension, the root cause of the education crisis remains the widespread insecurity that has plagued northern Mali for years. The region continues to be affected by the activities of armed groups and militant factions, making it one of the most dangerous areas for education in the country.
This decision by the authorities highlights the severe impact that insecurity is having on the education system in Mali. The government has pledged to continue efforts to improve security and ensure that children in conflict-affected areas can access education. However, as the situation in Menaka and other northern regions remains volatile, it remains unclear when normal schooling will resume in these areas.
The suspension of salaries has sparked mixed reactions, with some teachers and local residents expressing concern over the lack of support for those facing dangers in their efforts to educate children. Meanwhile, others argue that the suspension is a necessary step to restore order and accountability in the education system.
The education crisis in northern Mali is part of a larger challenge facing the country, as the ongoing conflict and instability continue to disrupt all sectors of society, including education.
