The West African Regional Bloc ECOWAS, says it regrets Mali’s decision to fix the length of the transition to the civilian government to two years, while negotiations are ongoing.
The bloc adds that its mediator will continue talks with Malian authorities “with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable transitional agreement that will ensure ECOWAS’ support”.
BBC reports that Mali’s Junta Leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, on Monday, June 6, 2022 signed a decree, fixing the length of the transition period to 24 months starting from March this year.
The army seized power in 2020 and has been under international pressure to hold elections sooner.
Mali has been under stiff sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, after the junta failed to conduct elections in February this year in accordance with an agreed deadline.
Over the weekend, an ECOWAS meeting decided to keep the measures in place but is due to meet in July 2022 to review progress.
