ECOWAS Withdraws Sanctions On Mali

Sanctions on Mali
Sanctions on Mali

Insecurity in Mali is no old news. For years rebels have impounded and killed people in the remote parts of the states. As such, some have fled the country to live as refugees. However, on August 18th this year, the military government of Mali organized a coupe de tat to usurp President Boubacar Keita. ECOWAS withdraws sanctions on Mali to support the transitional government.

The Mutiny

The military arranged the revolt following the complaints many had on President Keita’s government. They stormed into the president’s abode where they arrested him together with the Prime Minister. This act sparked a mixed reaction as ECOWAS member states and France were among the first to criticize. They demanded the release of President Keita and the Prime minister.

However, most of the Malians paraded the streets as they hailed the military for emerging victorious. The citizens were tired of President Keita’s government. They alleged since President Keita gaining power, he hasn’t solved the Jihadist attacks. Most of all, the economy of the country keeps deteriorating. Food insecurity is currently a major problem.

The former President, Boubacar, decided to resign peacefully. He stated he had no intention of causing any bloodshed. The President said:

“If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I have a choice? I hold no hatred towards anyone. My love of my country does not allow me to. May God save us.”

ECOWAS Imposes Sanctions

This act led to ECOWAS member states calling for an emergency meeting where they decided to impose sanctions on Mali. They were unpleased by the political disarray in the country and demanded immediate organization. The trade block was endorsing for Junta’s departure. Meanwhile, the government military was at that time ruling the country and had no intention of stepping down.

The head of ECOWAS, however, stated that they were not going to lift any sanctions if the country did not appoint a civilian prime minister. The trade block had cut the financial flow in Mali and banned trade. Hence Mali was no longer receiving imports because it had no access to the member states. Also, the trade block froze all the nations and personal assets. Its crystal clear citizens of Mali will suffocate as the country is landlocked, and they cannot access their daily imports.

Nonetheless, ECOWAS has not denied them access to necessities like drugs and equipment to use amid the corona pandemic.

Lifting The Sanctions

In a plan to restore civilian rule, the military government-endorsed Bah Ndaw to be the president. Therefore, the committee in charge selected the former defense minister and retired colonel as the interim president. His inauguration with his deputy, the coup leader Colonel occurred almost immediately.

As a result, ECOWAS called on the 14 member states to resume their partnership with Mali. Nana Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana and the President of the regional organization, signed the declaration. However, ECOWAS promises to investigate the specific individuals who conducted the coup leading to the arrest of the former president.

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