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ECOWAS imposes sanctions on Mali over military coup
BY NICHOLAS ABE
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali from all its decision-making bodies with immediate effect.
A statement by the body’s Directorate of Communications on Wednesday, indicated that the suspension was in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and would remain in place until effective constitutional order was reinstated in the country.
The sub-regional body said it had also closed all of the country’s land and air borders, stopped all economic, trade, and financial flows and transactions between ECOWAS member states and the country, urging all partners to do same.
ECOWAS has strongly condemned the mutiny among soldiers which was followed by the arrest of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and called for his immediate release.
“Following its statement published on August 18, reporting on an on-going mutiny within the Malian Armed Forces, ECOWAS has noted with great concern the seizure of power by Malian military putschists.
“This seizure of power intervenes within a difficult socio-political context.
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“Indeed, ECOWAS recalls that a mediation process has been on-going during the past two months, with a view to finding a solution to this crisis.
“Following this power grab by Malian military putschists, which is likely to have a negative impact on peace and stability in Mali and in sub-region, ECOWAS utterly condemns the overthrowing of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita’s democratically elected government,” the community said in the statement.
The West African regional bloc said it would not accord any kind of legitimacy to the putschists and demands the immediate reinstatement of the constitutional order.
It further reminded the military of its accountability for the safety and security of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and officials arrested while demanding for their immediate release.