West Africa bloc reaffirms support for Mali

By Rodrigue Forku

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AA) – A West African delegation has reaffirmed its support for Mali’s transition government in terms of economic and development reforms.

This came during an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation’s two-day visit to Mali. The delegation, led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, assessed progress made toward normalcy after a coup last year that forced President Ibrahim Boubacar to resign.

Mali’s transitional President Bah N’daw received the ECOWAS delegation and recalled the socio-political situation in Mali, and the actions initiated since his appointment as chief of the transition, said a presidency statement issued late Tuesday.

He indicated that Mali will honor all its commitments made with bilateral and multilateral partners.

Jonathan told reporters that his delegation and the head of the transition discussed the latest political developments in Mali, and conducted a review of the progress made in the implementation of the Transition Roadmap.

"I have come with my delegation to reaffirm ECOWAS's support for the transition regarding the priorities relating to political, economic, and development reforms and security challenges, and I am satisfied with the will expressed by the president to continue the dialogue with ECOWAS ," he said.

After being sworn in in September last year, retired Col. Maj. N’daw promised good management of public resources and a war against terrorists.

Former President Ibrahim Keita was overthrown in a coup by the military junta on Aug. 18 and was detained. He was released on Aug. 27.

Mali adopted a roadmap for governance and an 18-month transition charter.

The roadmap agreed includes restoration and strengthening of defense and security in Mali, promotion of good governance, a redesign of the education system, political and institutional reforms, and the adoption of a stability pact, according to local media.