ECOWAS tightens sanctions against transitional authorities in Guinea, Mali

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a third extraordinary summit Sunday in Ghana’s capital Accra to review political developments in Guinea and Mali, according to the final communiqué of the meeting.

"In accordance with the decision taken on 16 September 2021, the Authority decided to impose sanctions with immediate effect against the individuals and groups that have been identified, including all the transitional authorities and other transitional institutions. These sanctions will also be imposed on their family members," ECOWAS said of Mali.

In this country in transition since 2020 after a military coup, the West African authority deplored "the lack of progress in the election’s preparation" or the absence of a detailed timetable of activities for Feb. 27, 2022 as provided for in the transition charter.​​​​​​​

“The Chair of ECOWAS informed the Authority of the official notification by the transition authorities of their inability to meet the transition deadline of February 2022,” said the organization, which is also "concerned about the deterioration of the security situation" in the country "due to the worsening political uncertainties."

ECOWAS has again called on Malian leaders to respect the transitional timetable for elections.

It asked the international community to "take the necessary measures to ensure that the transitional authorities respect their commitment to a rapid return to constitutional order.”

The African authority is also planning “additional sanctions” at its next regular session on Dec. 12, 2021, “if the situation persists.”

It requested the support and approval of the African Union and bilateral and multilateral partners on the implementation of the sanctions.

On the political transition in the Republic of Guinea, ECOWAS demanded "the unconditional release of President Alpha Conde," the former president overthrown by a military coup on Sept. 5, 2021.

It also decided to suspend the Republic of Guinea from all ECOWAS governing bodies and to impose a travel ban and freeze of financial assets on members of the ruling military junta -- the National Rallying Committee for Development (CNRD) -- and their family members until constitutional order is restored.

The West African leaders also demanded that their Guinean member submit "as a matter of urgency, a detailed timetable of activities to be carried out within the framework of the transition with a view to holding elections."