Source: Aljazeera
Mali’s military-dominated government has condemned what it terms “illegal” sanctions imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), adding that it has closed its land borders “with the states concerned”.
On Sunday, January 9, 2022, ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) imposed a raft of economic and diplomatic sanctions in response to Malian military leaders’ desire to push back elections until 2025.
Military Spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga in a televised statement said the action of ECOWAS is illegal and illegitimate.
The meeting in Ghana of regional leaders follows months of increasing tensions over the timetable for restoring civilian rule in Mali after two coups and a military takeover.
In August 2020, Army Officers, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, toppled the elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita following street protests against his unpopular rule.
Under threat of sanctions, Goita subsequently promised to restore civilian rule in February 2022 after holding presidential and legislative elections.
But he staged a de facto second coup last May, forcing out an interim civilian government.
The move disrupted the reform timetable and resulted in widespread diplomatic condemnation.