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Mali’s head of the military government has demanded an end to potentially crippling economic sanctions imposed after last month’s coup in the country.
On Monday, Mali’s former defense minister, Bah Ndaw, was appointed president of the country’s new transitional government.
Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) that overthrew Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was appointed vice president.
The 15-nation West African bloc, ECOWAS, closed Mali’s borders and imposed trade restrictions after Malian military officials deposed Keita on August 18.
Last week, the trade bloc also insisted it would stick with the measures unless Mali’s ruling officials quickly appoint civilian leaders.
Addressing reporters Tuesday during a ceremony to mark Mali’s 60 years of independence, Goita said the recent nomination of a civilian as interim president meant West African leaders must end their trade embargo.
“The international community is watching us … that is why we accept the principles of ECOWAS,” Goita said. “In the coming days, ECOWAS must remove these sanctions for the happiness of the people of Mali.”
Ndaw, 70, will lead a transitional government for up to 18 months before holding national elections, according to a plan backed by the military government.
But it’s unclear how West African leaders will react to Ndaw’s nomination.
Recovered from retirement, the former defense minister spent his career in the Malian army, where he held a number of senior positions.
The ECOWAS mediator in the Mali crisis, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, is expected to arrive in the capital Bamako on Wednesday.
Mali’s neighbors are eager to prevent the fragile nation of some 19 million people from falling into chaos.
Swathes of the vast country are already out of government control due to a deadly armed rebellion that first erupted in 2012 and has also stoked ethnic tensions.
Current ECOWAS restrictions prohibit trade and financial flows, but not basic necessities, medicines, equipment to combat the coronavirus, fuel or electricity.
Heavy sanctions could hit the poor country already facing a severe economic recession.
Goita urged citizens to form a “sacred union around Mali” and support the security forces.
“Today is an opportunity for me to congratulate and encourage you for all your efforts to bring security and peace to Mali,” he said of the troops.
Source: Aljazeera
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