THE Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Commission, has condemned the overthrow of democratically elected government in Mali by the armed Forces.

ECOWAS Commission made the condemnation in a statement on Tuesday, August 18, in Abuja, following the ongoing mutiny within the Malian Armed Forces.

 ECOWAS noted with great concern the seizure of power by the Malian military, adding: “This seizure of power takes place in a context of difficult socio-political crisis.”

Part  of the statement reads: “Indeed, ECOWAS recalls that it has been engaged in a mediation process for more than two months in order to find a solution to this crisis. Following this coup by the Malian putschist, which is likely to have a negative impact on peace and stability in Mali and in the sub-region, ECOWAS:

“a) Strongly condemns the overthrow by Malian soldiers of democratically elected government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita;

” b) categorically denies any form of legitimacy (recognition) to the coup plotters and demands the immediate restoration of constitutional order;

“c) remindd the military of their responsibility for the safety and security of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and other arrested officials;

“d) demands the immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita and all arrested officials;

“e) suspendd Mali from all decision-making bodies of ECOWAS with immediate effect, in accordance with the Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, until the effective restoration of constitutional order;

“f) decides on the closure of all land and air borders as well as stopping of all economic, commercial and financial flows and transactions between member countries of ECOWAS and Mali and invites all partners to do the same;

“g) calls for the immediate ramp-up of the ECOWAS Standby Force;

“h) calls for the immediate implementation of a set of sanctions against all putschists and their partners and collaborators;

“i) decides to dispatch a high-level delegation to ensure the immediate return to constitutional order;

“j) decides to remain seized of the situation in Mali.”

Realnews reports that the both the president and prime minister of Mali has been arrested my the army mutineers.

– Aug. 19, 2020 @ 2:58 GMT /