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Ecowas says sanctions imposed on Mali will not be lifted

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West African regional bloc Ecowas has said that it will not lift sanctions imposed on Mali although the country now has an interim president.

Mali’s former defence minister, retired Col. Major Ba N’Daou was sworn into office on Friday at a ceremony in the capital, Bamako.

Ba N’Daou was named interim leader by the soldiers who toppled the government of former president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

The new leader is now expected to oversee the 18-month transition period towards a return to civilian rule.

The Head of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, Colonel Assimi Goïta was also sworn in as transitional vice-president.

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Ba N’Daou (C) with junta leaders Col Assimi Goita (L) and Col Malick Diaw (R). Photo: EPA

The appointment of the 70-year old former defence minister is considered a fulfillment of certain conditions made by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.

But Ecowas said until a civilian prime minister is appointed by the transitional government, sanctions imposed on Mali will not be lifted.

The Ecowas delegation currently in Mali, led by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan told reporters that the regional bloc is only prepared to lift sanctions on Mali when a civilian prime minister is named.

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The sanctions on Mali include border closures and the suspension of financial flows, though these were eased so they did not hit ordinary civilians.

Mali: Ba N’Daou sworn in as interim president

Source: Africafeeds.com

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