By Spy Uganda Correspondent
Mali: West African leaders have suspended Mali from their regional bloc with effect from Sunday 30 May over a coup last week.
Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo however believes the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] must remain resolute in supporting the people of Mali to find a peaceful resolution.
“I urge your excellencies to remain resolute in supporting the people of Mali to find a peaceful solution and restore democracy and stability in the country. In this respect, we must critically examine the dynamics of the current situation and make informed decisions. And thus using this opportunity to reiterate, on behalf of ECOWAS, our continued commitment to the peaceful transition in Mali,” stressed Nana Akufo-Addo.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Sunday that Mali must stick to a commitment to hold a presidential election next February after an 18-month transition period despite last week’s ouster of interim leaders by the military.
In a communique released after an emergency summit in Accra on Sunday, the bloc also said that Malian authorities must nominate a new interim civilian prime minister.
ECOWAS urged all international partners including the African Union, the United Nations and the European Union to support the successful implementation of the transition in Mali.
“So, heads of state have resolved to when Mali, the mediator will remain in place and continue to engage the Malian Authority to ensure that, and of course the ECOWAS commission and we are asking and appealing to all the international communities to engage Mali and to assist Mali on the path so that they do not derail from the conditions,” said Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana Foreign minister.
Mali’s new president Col Assimi Goita seized power by deposing the president and prime minister and forced their resignations, a move regional bloc leaders condemned and said violated mediation steps.
