The videoconference meeting of the Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held on 20 August 2020, called for the unconditional return of the constitutional order. By FinancialAfrik
The Heads of State and Government condemn in the strongest terms “the threats and pressure exerted by the putschist military against President Ibrahima Boubacar Keita to force him to announce his resignation”. The highest authority of ECOWAS denies legitimacy to the “putschists”, held individually and collectively responsible for the safety and security of President IBK and the arrested officials.
In other words, ECOWAS calls for the reinstatement of the ousted president. Meanwhile, Mali is suspended from all decision-making bodies of the community in accordance with the additional protocol on democracy and good governance until the restoration of constitutional order.
Measures include the closure of all land borders and the suspension of all economic and financial transactions with the exception of staples, medicines, COVID-19 products.19, petroleum products and electricity. ECOWAS invites all its partners to do the same. A protocol of sanctions against the military putschists is being drafted.
Note that ECOWAS, supported by the African Union and the UN, will send a mediation mission, including the President of the Council of Ministers of UEMOA and the President of the Commission with the objective of the return of constitutional order. At the same time, the standby force of the regional organization was asked to step up.
Source: FinancialAfrik