U.S. Withdraws ‘Assistance’ From Mali After Forced Resignation Of President, PM By Military

The United States government has withdrawn all security assistance to Mali’s military following takeover of power by the military.

On Thursday, the military led by Colonel Assimi Goita released interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister, Moctar Ouane, after detaining them for days, alleging that the duo tried to sabotage transition to civil rule.

THE WHISTLER earlier reported that Goita recaptured power on Tuesday while announcing his takeover of the government of Mali.

But the U.S. government, in a statement issued by its Department of States, frowned at the military for trying to frustrate a transition to civilian rule, adding that it would stop assisting their defensive and offensive capabilities henceforth.

“We are now suspending all security assistance that benefits the Malian Security and Defense Forces that we had continued previously pursuant to available authorities. The United States will also consider targeted measures against political and military leaders who impede Mali’s civilian-led transition to democratic governance,” the statement partly read.

Recall that Goita had led mutinying soldiers in a coup in August 2020, thereby removing the country’s Prime Minister, Boubou Cisse, and the President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, from office.

The development was condemned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On its part, the U.S. backed the verdict reached by ECOWAS and the African Union which mandated the military to return to civilian rule within 12 months.

Goita had said that the election for a civilian government would hold by 2022.