Mali extends transition period to elections

Newly adopted charter grants amnesty to ruling junta responsible for two previous coups

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Mali's National Transitional Council (CNT), which serves as the country's legislative body, on Monday endorsed a five-year extension for transition, local media reported.

CNT members unanimously agreed to extend the transition for a period ranging from six months to five years.

The newly adopted charter grants amnesty to the ruling junta responsible for two previous coups, removes the vice president’s post and makes Assimi Goita, the transitional president, ineligible. He will not be able to run in the next elections.

Earlier, elections were promised in February after an 18-month transition period.

European Union and African communities previously sanctioned Mali for its proposed extension of the transition government and lack of an electoral calendar.

Goodluck Jonathan, the mediator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is expected on Thursday in Bamako, Mali's capital.

Kaynak: