ECOWAS Suspends ‘Development Projects’ In Mali, Insists On Respect For Democracy
The Economic Community of West African States has among other things, suspended the nation of Mali from benefiting from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID)- one of its institutions that engage in development projects among member states.
This was disclosed in a communique published on its website on Monday after an Extraordinary Session of ECOWAS Leaders weaved around the situation in Mali where soldiers have overthrown two political leaderships.
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“After extensive discussions on the situation in Mali, the Heads of State and Government took the following decisions: Reaffirm the importance and necessity of respecting the democratic process for ascending to power, in conformity with the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“They particularly condemn all actions that led to ongoing instability in Mali, and its attendant consequences in the region; decide to suspend Mali from ECOWAS Institutions in line with ECOWAS provisions,” the communique partly read.
The Institutions of ECOWAS consists of its Commission, Community Parliament, Community Court of Justice and ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
Furthermore, the regional Heads of States agreed that Mali must hold election by February 27 2022, adding that the soldiers should back down for a transition government to be constituted.
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“After extensive discussions on the situation in Mali, the Heads of State and Government took the following decisions:Call for a new civilian Prime Minister to be nominated immediately;
“A new inclusive government should be formed to proceed with the transition programme;
“Reaffirm the need to respect the transition period of 18 months decided in Accra. In this context, the date of 27th February 2022 already announced for the Presidential election should be absolutely.
“Reiterate the earlier decisions that the Head of the transition, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the transition should not, under any circumstances, be candidates for the forthcoming Presidential election,” the communique read.
