A statement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Directorate of Communications on Wednesday, has indicated the suspension of Mali from all the ECOWAS decision-making bodies with immediate effect.
The statement said the suspension is in line with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and will remain in place until effective constitutional order is reinstated in the country.
The sub-regional body also mdeclared that it has closed all of the country’s land and air borders, stopped all economic, trade, and financial flows and transactions between its member states and urged all partners to join the action against Mali coup leaders.
ECOWAS has also 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 AugAugust 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.
“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 the sub- region, ECOWAS utterly condemns the overthrowing of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita’s democratically elected government,” the community stated.
“categorically denies any kind of legitimacy to the putschists and demands the immediate reinstatement of the constitutional order.
“Reminds the military of 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 all officials 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.
“Requests the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and demands the immediate implementation of sanctions against all putschists as well as their partners and collaborators.”
The community promised to send a high-level delegation to the country to ensure a safe return back to democracy in the country.
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