West African states have decided to lift the sanctions imposed on Mali, after the coup that overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta on August 18.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) thus wishes to "support" the transition supposed to bring civilians back to power.

In a statement published the day after the formation of a government, in which the members of the junta occupy strategic positions, the leaders of the ECOWAS say they "take into account" "significant advances towards constitutional normalization" in this poor country , weakened for years by jihadist and inter-community violence.

"To support this process, the Heads of State and Government decide to lift the sanctions on Mali. They call on all bilateral and multilateral partners to support Mali", we can read in this declaration signed by the President of Mali. Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the regional organization, mediator in the Malian crisis.

Progress but still insufficient

These sanctions, first and foremost a commercial and financial embargo, were imposed on Mali on August 20.

West African leaders note several advances made in recent weeks, including the appointment of a transitional president, Bah Ndaw, a retired colonel, and that of a former foreign minister, Moctar Ouane, as prime minister.

They also welcome the renunciation by the military of a major prerogative initially vested in the head of the junta, Colonel Assimi Goïta.

Invested as transitional vice-president, he will not be able to replace the president of the transition if the latter is unable to attend, according to the charter drawn up by the military.

"The release of all military and civilian officials arrested"

In their declaration, Mali's neighbors ask the new transitional authorities to "quickly implement" the other decisions taken by ECOWAS, "in particular the release of all military and civilian officials arrested" during the coup d'état. August 18.

They also call again for the "dissolution" of the National Council for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), the body set up by the military who overthrew President Keïta in a coup that officially did not made a victim.

The charter assigns as objectives for the transition the restoration of security throughout the territory, two-thirds of which are outside the control of the central power, "the recovery of the State" and the organization of general elections.

This fundamental document sets the duration of the transition at eighteen months, which ECOWAS wishes to be as short as possible.

With AFP

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