Coup: ECOWAS suspends Mali from decision making bodies shut down land, air borders
By Our reporter
Aug. 19, 2020 - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali form from all decision-making bodies with immediate effect in line with Protocol on Democracy and good governance, until effective reinstatement of the constitutional order
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The Directorate of Communications of the ECOWAS Commission disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, relaying the stands of ECOWAS on the Mali situation.
According to the Commission, ECOWAS has also closed all land and air borders, stopped all economical, trade and financial flows and transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali, urging all partners to do same.
The Commission said ECOWAS has strongly condemned the act by mutinying soldiers of overthrowing President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and called for his immediate release.
“Following its statement published on 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, 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.
“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.
“Requests the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and demands the immediate implementation of sanctions against all putschists and their partners and collaborators.
The Commission said that in a bid to salvaging the situation, the ECOWAS body has decides to dispatch a high-level delegation to ensure immediate return to constitutional order.