Following an August 2020 coup and a failure to reach an earlier timetable for elections that resulted in economic sanctions, Mali’s military authorities have suggested restoring civilian power in two years.
Colonel Assimi Goita, the military leader, signed an order on Monday that stated, “The timeframe of the transition is fixed at 24 months (from) March 26, 2022.”
After the military seized control in a first coup in August 2020 and failed to hold elections in February, the Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions (ECOWAS). In May of last year, Goita deposed an interim civilian administration and took over the presidency.
The directive came after a “advanced stage of negotiations with ECOWAS,” according to the military, and Mali hoped sanctions would be withdrawn.
“The promulgation of this decree demonstrates [Malian] authorities’ desire to engage in dialogue with ECOWAS,” said a spokeswoman who read out the decree.
The ECOWAS Commission did not respond to a request for comment on the 24-month ruling issued on Monday.
The length of the transition has strained relations with Mali’s allies, especially the US and former colonial power France.
The 24-month decree has been communicated to the ECOWAS mediator on the situation, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as chiefs of state, according to Maiga.
“We have high hopes… “Sanctions will be lifted as soon as possible,” he added, adding that an election schedule would follow.
Over the weekend, West African heads of state convened in Accra, Ghana’s capital, to address the issue. They agreed not to relax sanctions, which include border closures and financial transaction restrictions, unless interim leaders suggested a faster transition.
Before July 3, the leaders are expected to meet for another summit.
Military regimes in Burkina Faso and Guinea, both neighbours, are also facing ECOWAS sanctions for delaying democratic transitions.
