ECOWAS suspends Mali, seeks release of President Kaita

Unhappy with the turn events in Mali, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has placed the West African country on suspension.

The regional body also demanded for the immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita from detention, while making it clear that it will not recognize all those behind the military takeover in the country.

Apart from closing all land and air borders, as well as a halting all economical, trade and financial flows and transactions between ECOWAS member states and Mali, ECOWAS in a statement issued in Abuja, ECOWAS said the military action will impact negatively on the country’s socio-politically.

“Following its statement published during the day of August 18th, 2020, 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. Indeed, ECOWAS recalls that a mediation process has been on-going during the last two months, with a view to find a solution to this crisis. Following this power grab by Malian military Putschists, this is likely to have negative impact on peace and stability in Mali and in the Sub-Region, ECOWAS.

“Utterly condemns the overthrowing of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita’s democratically elected Government;
“Categorically denies any kind of legitimacy to the putschists and demands the immediate reinstatement of the constitutional order;

“Reminds the military their accountability for the safety and security of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and officials arrested;

“Demands the immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and of all official arrested;

“Suspends Mali from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies with immediate effect, as per the Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and this, until effective reinstatement of the constitutional order;

“Decides to close all land and air borders, as well as to stop all economical, trade and financial flows and transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali, and encourages all partners to do the same.”