In an Afrobarometer survey in December 2012, three quarters of adult Malians were worried that the country was moving in "the wrong direction." At that time, at the depths of a profound national crisis, most Malians thought the future looked bleak. A year later, however, a follow-up survey reveals newfound hope in the future. By December 2013, two thirds of all Malians now consider that that the country is headed in the "right direction." What explains this remarkable turnaround in the public mood? The upswing in the country's collective frame of mind within the space of a single year is traced to several positive developments. These include an improved security situation, the restoration of a freely elected government, and rising confidence in economic recovery.

More on This

Malians Want Unity, Justice After Conflict

• Most Malians Want a United Country - Survey
• Malians Seek Retribution, National Trial for Wrongdoers in Conflict
• Mali's Peace Train 'Cannot Be Turned Back'
• UN Urges Parties to Speed Up Talks
• Secretary-General's Report Highlights Progress, but With Continued Instability for Children
• France to Deploy 3,000 Troops in Sahel
• Bleak Choices for Mali Refugees in Burkina
• Malians Show Dramatic Leap in Confidence
• 'Window of Opportunity' for Peace in Mali Remains Open, but Requires Sustained Commitment, Senior Official Tells Security Council

New Hope Among Malians

• Malians Show Dramatic Leap in Confidence

Mali Discusses Truth Commission

• Assembly to Discuss Truth Commission
• Mali - Give Malians Say in Truth Commission - Without Wider Consultation, Commission Risks Being Ineffective
• Progress On Development, Reconciliation, and Justice Too Slow in Mali As Two-Year Anniversary of Coup Approaches
• Reconciliation Challenges Ahead for Mali President
• How to Tackle Mali's Crisis in the Long Term
• Restoring Democracy and Reclaiming the North