At the grassroots, the citizens actively participate in the management of public affairs and implementation of economic, social, cultural and democratic development programmes. The decentralisation policy has introduced new relations between the populations and security forces. Within few years, the effective presence of local police will further bring the people and security forces closer. That would be the beginning of a more direct and logical democratic oversight. But these political and social advancements are not enough to guarantee development in the country. A climate of peace, security and stability must also prevail. Such a climate is conducive to investments and sustainable development. Towards this end, the Ministry of Internal Security and Civilian Protection has decided, withn the framework of government's activity programming, to organise the« NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PEACE AND SECURITY IN MALI». This is a process involving all the components of the Malian society. Its purpose is to build up capacities to prevent and manage general security problems, while facilitating the emergence of a new governance of peace and security. The new approach is in line with the global strategy to alleviate poverty, consolidate democracy and good governance in the Republic of Mali. The Convention will take place during 2005, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic. It is scheduled to last for three days and will be attended by between 200 and 300 participants from all the regions and social sectors of Mali, as well as by representatives of the Malian populations living outside the country and partners in development. 100