The Authority of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on the transition authorities in Mali for their failure to restore democratic rule in Mali.
In the communique issued at the end of the extraordinary Summit in Accra on Sunday, the Authority of ECOWAS said: “In conformity with the decision taken on 16th September 2021, the Authority decides to impose sanctions with immediate effect against individuals and groups who have been identified, including the entire Transition authorities and the other transition institutions. These sanctions will also be imposed on the members of their families.”
According to the communique, the sanctions include a travel ban and a freeze on their financial assets.
The Authority also directed the President of the ECOWAS Commission to consider and propose additional sanctions at its next Ordinary Session on 12th December 2021, should the situation persist.
It also called on the African Union, the United Nations, and the bilateral and other multilateral partners to endorse and support the implementation of these sanctions.
On the political transition in Guinea, the Authority reaffirmed its demand for the unconditional release of President Alpha Condé.
It noted the recent developments in Guinea, particularly the adoption of the Transition Charter, the appointment of a civilian Prime Minister and the formation of the Transition Government and urged the Transition Authorities to urgently submit a detailed timetable of activities to be carried out under the transition towards the holding of elections, in accordance with the decisions of the Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held on 16th September 2021.
“The Authority decides to uphold the suspension of the Republic of Guinea from all ECOWAS governing bodies as well as the travel ban and freeze of financial assets imposed on the members of the CNRD and their family members, until constitutional order is restored.
“The Authority decides to appoint H.E. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas as Special Envoy to Guinea with a view to strengthening dialogue with the Transitional authorities towards a successful and short transition process,” the communique said.
The Summit, which was convened to review the political developments in Guinea and Mali, was chaired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority.
GIK/APA