Mali: ECOWAS call for immediate appointment of PM as condition to lift sanctions

By Our reporter

Sept. 26, 2020 - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Mali have called for the immediate appointment of a Prime Minister under the transition government in Mali before sanctions imposed can be lifted.

This was made known in a communiqué issued by the Directorate of Communications of the ECOWAS Commission at the end of the assessment mission of the ECOWAS delegation to Mali from Sept. 23 to Sept. 23.

The delegation headed by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan was in Mali to assess the progress made in the implementation of the decisions taken at the extraordinary Summits of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sept. 15 in Accra, Ghana.

The delegation insists that ECOWAS is mainly concerned with the preservation of Constitutional democracy in the sub region, but not with providing support to any regime.

They however noted the importance and the urgency of appointing a civilian Prime Minister, Head of Government, who will be responsible for preparing for the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections.

According to the ECOWAS delegation, the civilian Prime Minister under the authority of the President will conduct the various reforms of the inclusive national dialogue.

“Concerning the sanctions, in conformity with the decisions of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, following the swearing in of the President of the Transition, they will be lifted once a civilian Prime Minister is appointed.

“A report on this issue will be submitted to the Chairman of ECOWAS,” the delegation noted.

During their Mission, the delegation also expressed serious concern over the situation of the civilian and military personalities of the former regime who have been in detention since Aug. 18.

The Mission was also able to meet with former Prime Minister Boubou CISSE.

They insisted on the immediate release of these personalities in accordance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government

“The Mission took note of the appointment and swearing in of Mr. Bah N'DAW as President of the Transition. The Mission extended to him its congratulations and best wishes on his new role.

“The Mission also reiterated the importance of obtaining the final and official version of the Transition Charter, taking into account the decisions of the ECOWAS Summits of Heads of State and Government. notably on:

“The dissolution of the CNSP before/after the swearing in of the President of the Transition;

“The responsibilities of the Vice President in charge of Security and Defence, The impossibility for the Vice President to replace the President of the Transition;

“The duration of the transition period of 18 months with effect from 15"" September 2020.”

The Mission noted that the Monitoring Committee on the situation in Mali established by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government had been installed and the Committee comprises of the ECOWAS Mediator on Mali, H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan;.

Others include the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers; The President of the ECOWAS Commission; The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Mali, Head of MINUSMA.

Other members of the Committee are: High Representative of the African Union in Mali and the Sahel; The Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Mali.

According to the delegation, the President of the Monitoring Committee designated the Ambassadors of Nigeria and Ghana to Mali are to ensure effective communication with the Mediator and the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers during their absence.

The Monitoring Committee will also work in conjunction with all the bilateral and multilateral partners to support the transition process in Mali.

The delegation noted that following the installation of the transition bodies, ECOWAS will support the effective implementation of the proposed measures and will remain seized of the matter.

Jonathan expressed sincere gratitude, on behalf of his delegation, to the Malian Authorities for the warm welcome accorded them and for the facilities put at their disposal during their stay.