Mali Military Given Ultimatum To Hand Over To Civilians

The Malian military have been directed to hand over power to civilians by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The warning was given today by the Chairman and Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, in Accra.

He made this known as an ultimatum for the appointment of interim leaders expired.

The body had imposed economic sanctions after the ouster of President Ibrahim Keita.

The sanctions includes border closures and the suspension of financial flows.

“Today is supposed to be the day that the junta is to put in place a government, which should respond to the criteria we set out in August. That has not been met,” Akufo-Addo said.

According to the chairman, he noted that Mali can no longer afford to linger in putting a responsible government in place.

The junta on Saturday said the interim president can be a soldier or a civilian but gave no time frame for the composition of a new government.

The military wants an 18-month transition period, while ECOWAS is insisting on one year.