The Malian government is stepping up its efforts to regulate firearms. In an official statement published on January 23, 2026 , the Permanent Secretariat of the National Commission for the Fight Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons ( SP-CNLP ) reiterated the invalidity of old firearms registration documents.

What changes for gun owners

While the right to own a firearm remains open to adult citizens, the administrative procedures have changed dramatically. The era of paper permits is officially over.

1. Biometric requirement: Only the biometric driver's license is now recognized by the authorities.
2. Immediate action: The press release insists on compliance "without delay" .
3. Penalties: Those who are late are subject to legal proceedings and administrative sanctions.
4. Golden rule: Each weapon owned must be subject to a separate authorization.

Where can I get my paperwork in order?

The SP-CNLP invites all holders to physically visit its headquarters to convert their documents:

Address: Medina Coura district, Omnisport Stadium road, Bamako.

A comprehensive security strategy

Under the leadership of Colonel Adama Diarra , the SP-CNLP is intensifying its efforts to ensure the traceability of weapons within the country. This transition to biometrics is not an isolated event; it is part of an ambitious action plan.

Indicator	Key Data (2024)
Weapons seizures	490 units
Ammunition seized	1,915 units
Voluntary deposits	78 weapons and 2,686 rounds of ammunition

This regulatory strengthening is supported by a national action plan 2026-2030 , developed in partnership with UNDP, aimed at stabilizing the country's security context through rigorous control of the circulation of small arms.