Mali is divided into eight regions and one capital district (Bamako).
Unlike French communes, they are not the lowest level administrative structure of the nation.
Legally, the commune structure was created by Law No.
The executive is tasked with carrying out the directives voted by the council.
National policies are carried out by a sub-prefect (sous préfet), who also carries out certain of the council's directives over the local arms or national bodies.