Mali back to AU membership after post-coup suspension

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, (AA) - The Peace and Security Council of the African Union on Friday decided to lift the suspension imposed on Mali from all activities of the pan-African body.

This came after a virtual meeting the council held in the presence of the AU Commission Chairperson.

In mid-August an organized military group conducted a coup that was the second in less than a decade.

The African Union was quick to suspend Mali from all activities of the union until a constitutional and civilian rule was reinstated.

The AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed the decision via Twitter.

"I welcome the #AUPSC decision lifting the suspension of the Republic of #Mali following recent positive political developments in the country; and thus reiterate #AU full support to the Transitional Government and people of Mali towards constitutional order, peace and stability."

The lifting of suspension came after the military agreed to an 18-month transition period to reinstate a constitutional order and a civilian rule.