The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has maintained the sanctions it imposed on the Republic of Guinea and Mali following the recent military coups in the two West African countries.
Rising from the 60th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government held in Abuja, the West African leaders said the transition for the return of democratic order in the two countries must comply with its decisions on election timetable.
The Authority chaired by Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Ado, in a communiqué expressed strong concerns on the transition processes in Guinea and Mali.
In that regard, the authority noted the absence of clear indicators leading to the restoration of constitutional order in conformity with its decisions.
Part of the communiqué reads “On Guinea, the Authority welcomes the recent decision of the transition authorities to allow former President Alpha Conde to return home free.
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The Authority was informed by the transition authorities that the National Transition Council will be in place by the end of December 2021 and will propose a timetable.
“The Authority remains very concerned that three months after the Coup D’etat a timetable for the return of constitutional order is yet to be issued. It urges the authorities of the National Transition Council to submit rapidly the timetable for election to be held within the time frame indicated.
The Authority insists on the need to hold elections within the six months period previously decided on.
The Authority decided to maintain the sanctions initially imposed,” even as it reiterated its will to accompany the Guinean authorities for a successful transition.
On Mali, the Authority took note of an official communication of December 9th from the Malian authorities informing the ECOWAS that timetable for election will be transmitted at the latest on January 31 2022 which could be discussed with an ECOWAS mission. It also indicated that the electoral law for the single election organ has been adopted by the government and transmitted to the NTC.
“The Authority strongly deplores that the deadline of the 27 February 2022 for holding the elections is likely to not be respected. The Authority remains concerned over the risk for the region on the intervention of private security companies in Mali.
(Editor : Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
