ECOWAS blocks trade, financial flows to Mali following military takeover

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended trade relations and financial flows to Mali following the military takeover of the country.

ECOWAS in a statement condemned the coup and also suspended Mali from all ECOWAS decision-making.

It says the military action is likely to have an adverse impact on the peace and stability in the country and other member states.

In addition, the country’s borders have all been closed to other member states.

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“The seizure of power intervenes within a difficult socio-political context. Indeed, ECOWAS recalls that a mediation process has been on-going during the last two months, with a view to finding a solution to this crisis,” ECOWAS said in a statement.

The country’s military on Tuesday toppled the government over what it termed as mismanagement of the Tuareg rebellion, corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a disputed parliamentary poll.

Mali’s President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, who came into office in 2018, subsequently resigned from office.

He had, since June, been faced with street protests.

Find below a section of the ECOWAS statement

Following the power grab by Malian military putschists, which is likely to have a negative impact on peace and stability in Mali and in the sub-regions, ECOWAS:

1. Utterly condemns the overthrowing of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta’s democratically elected government.
2. Categorically denies any kind of legitimacy to the putschists and demands the immediate reinstatement of the constitutional order.
3. Reminds the military their accountability for the safety and security of President In and officials arrested.
4. Demands immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïtaand of all officials arrested.
5. Suspends Mali from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies with immediate effect, as per the Additional Protocol of Democracy and good governance, and this until effective reinstatement of the constitutional order.
6. Decides to close all land and air borders, as well as to stop economical, trade and financial flows and transactions between ECOWAS member states and Mali and encourages all partners to do the same.
7. Requests the immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
8. Demands the immediate implementation of sanctions against all putschists and their partners and collaborators.
9. Decides to dispatch a high-level delegation to ensure an immediate return to constitutional order.
10. Decides to remain seized of the situation in Mali.