assault against persons and properties in Mali. The phenomenon is alarming and creates a climate of fear and insecurity among the people. The citizens are so much disappointed that they are increasingly pointing accusing fingers to security forces. Now, contrary to the widely held belief that alien residents are the authors of most criminal acts, enquiries conducted on most aggressions proved that, in many cases, the authors are Malians. This is not surprising, considering the impact of the media, particularly foreign films, and the transborder character of new forms of crime. Besides, many young people who had travelled abroad for better prospects but later got disappointed by the crude realities of life in foreign lands, chose to return home, loaded with some quick money-making techniques they had learnt. Another fact to be taken into consideration in analysing the security situation is that, this type of crime is gradually spreading from the city to the countryside, in particular through the highways that are not closely watched by the security forces. Although, in recent time, many security posts have been set up along the highways and have started yielding the expected results, it will take more time for banditry to be squarely checked. Ø Religious Intolerance. Already , i n 2000, the« Mali National Prospective Study, 2025» emphasised that« what we are perceiving as new religion-based manifestations in our country is complex and may constitute either opportunities or threats, depending on circumstances, with regard to the society's development during the next thirty years 5 .», due to inadequate attention on the issue. Religious fundamentalism has started causing worries to the authorities and citizens. In fact, for a long time now, and even currently, religious preaching activities are conducted everywhere and by anybody. In the mosques and public places, injurious or defamatory statements are pronounced, while people are sometimes incited to cause troubles. Preachers of all sorts enter the country or depart 5 Mali Prospective Study, 2025, Bamako, Presidency of the Republic, 2001, P. 32. 30