The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pronounced more stringent sanctions against the military junta in Mali over its continued breach of Democratic practices.
At the Summit on Sunday in Accra, Ghana, ECOWAS agreed to withdraw all member states Ambassadors in the Mali, and also close land and air borders between ECOWAS Member States and Mali.
The communique issued after the summit also imposed additional sanctions on the junta, including
Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali,
Essential consumer goods, pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and equipment, including materials for the control of COVID-19 products, and electricity were however exempted from the big stick of ECOWAS.
The body also Froze assets of the Republic of Mali in ECOWAS Central Banks, as well as all other assets of the Malian State.
It also Suspends Mali from all financial assistance and transactions from financial institutions.
Also Read: ECOWAS Leaders maintain sanctions on Guinea, Mali
The communique also disclosed that the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government has instructed all institutions to take steps to implement these sanctions with immediate effect.
The sub-regional leaders rejected the transition schedule proposed by the Mali military junta,
noting that the sanctions will only be gradually lifted “after an acceptable and agreed transition chronogram is finalised.
ECOWAS also expressed concerns about the slow progress of the transition process in Guinea, four months after the coup.
Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says leaders of member states in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have shown strong resolve and commitment to issues of good governance and democracy in the sub-region, with its stand against unconditional seizure of power
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
