In 1992, the government of Mali decided on a policy of reforming the management of public affairs on the basis of decentralisation. Various reasons lay behind this policy option of devolving powers and resources to local government authorities, including the need to deepen the ongoing democratisation process, tackle the problems of local development in a different way, recast the role of the State and promote security and peace. Decentralisation became a reality in 1999, following the organization of the local elections, and resulted in a profound change in the relationship between the State and citizens, while bringing public services closer to the community