Mali: Military council proposes new timeframe for restoring power

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The junta of Mali has submitted a proposal to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a new timeframe for restoring power to civilians, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop announced on the eve of a summit of the group. 

A previous five-year timeframe was already proposed by the junta but was rejected by ECOWAS. During a visit to Mali last week, ECOWAS mediator Goodluck Jonathan had already pressed the authorities to rethink that plan, according to Diop.

Yesterday, the Foreign Minister traveled to Accra to present a new proposal to the Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo, according to state TV.

Days ago, Mali's military-controlled government said it could take up to 5 years to return the country to democratic rule.

A transition period of 6 months to 5 years will enable the government to implement structural and institutional reforms and organize fair and transparent elections, according to a document published at the end of the Conference.

During a previous meeting on December 12, leaders of West African countries called for elections to be held on February 27, maintaining sanctions imposed. 

The coup

On October 26, Mali declared ECOWAS Special Representative Hamidou Boly persona non grata, accusing him of "acts incompatible with his status." Boly left the country the day after the decision was announced. 

It is noteworthy that ECOWAS suspended Mali's membership in the organization and halted financial and commercial exchanges with it after the coup of August 18, 2020.

Afterward, the group lifted these sanctions after the junta, led by Colonel Asimi Guetta, appointed a transitional civilian President and Prime Minister and committed to returning power to elected civilians within a maximum period of 18 months.