The third member of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to be seized by the military on January 24 was Burkina Faso, prompting emergency negotiations in Ghana's capital Accra.

In Mali, a September 2020 coup was followed by a May 2021 coup, and Guinea, whose elected President Alpha Conde was deposed in September.

A gun attack on Guinea-Bissau's Umaro Sissoco Embalo, on Tuesday, fueled worries that years of attempts to lead West Africa toward stability and democracy were failing.

Thursday's conference will examine the outcomes of two missions to Burkina following the coup. Burkina Faso was expelled from ECOWAS when rebel fighters detained President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, sparking popular outrage over his handling of a jihadist insurgency.

ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) imposed a slew of economic and diplomatic sanctions on Mali last month, including border closures and a trade embargo, describing the junta's intention to stay in power for several years as "completely unacceptable".

On Saturday, ECOWAS military leaders came to Ouagadougou for discussions with the junta, and on Monday, a diplomatic team led by Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, arrived.

After meeting with strongman Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and other junta members, Botchwey told reporters that "they seemed very open to the suggestions and proposals that we made. For us, it's a good sign."

Very frank talks

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the UN special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, described the talks as "very frank".

The group met with Kabore, whose health and demand for freedom from house arrest are important concerns.

During the visit, the junta revealed it restored the constitution and appointed Damiba as president and chief of the armed forces during a transition phase. Damiba met with party leaders Tuesday, with many expressing a desire to participate in the restoration of civilian governance.

However, fundamental problems remain unsolved, notably the crucial matter of election timing. On January 24, the junta promised to restore "constitutional order" in a "reasonable period".

Mali expels French Ambassador after hostile remarks

Days ago, Mali expelled the French Ambassador due to Le Drian's "hostile statements" toward Mali. France is Mali's ex-colonial ruler, which has left the country in shambles. 

Last week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Mali's military council is "illegitimate" and that its decisions are "irresponsible". In addition to that, French Defense Minister said that Mali's leaders are stepping up "provocations" against France as an accusation. 

These remarks were considered "hostile and outrageous," and were said, "despite repeated protests" in Mali. 

"The Malian government vigorously condemns and rejects these remarks, which are contrary to the development of friendly relations between nations," it said.