By John Ikani
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS says it regrets Mali’s decision to fix the length of the transition to civilian government to two years while negotiations are ongoing.
“ECOWAS regrets that while negotiations are still ongoing to reach a consensus, the Malian Authorities took this decision on the transition,” it said in a statement.
It added that its mediator will continue talks with Malian authorities “with a view of reaching a mutually acceptable transitional agreement that will ensure Ecowas’ support”.
Mali’s junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, on Monday signed a decree fixing the length of the transition period to 24 months starting from March this year.
The army initially seized power in 2020 and has been under international pressure to hold elections sooner.
Mali has been under stiff sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the junta failed to conduct elections in February this year in accordance with an agreed deadline.
Over the weekend, an ECOWAS meeting decided to keep the measures in place but was due to meet by next month to review the progress.
