ECOWAS Lifts Economic Sanctions Against Mali

Africa | Mali July 4, 2022

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted economic sanctions it imposed against Mali after military coup there. The regional bloc did that on July 3, 2022, during a summit in Accra, Ghana. However, Mali suspension from ECOWAS remains in place until the country returns to civilian rule. The military regime in Mali is said to have promised to hold general elections in February 2024.

ECOWAS lifting of economic sanctions against Mali before reinstatement of civilian rule, that is said to have been prompted to the largest extent by the promise made by the military regime to do so in 2024, has been applauded by some political experts in Africa, who say active engagement by the regional bloc with Mali military regime is a good move towards facilitating transition from military to civilian government in the country.

Also, ECOWAS’ decision probably indicate realization by the regional bloc that re-emergence of military coups hence military regimes in West Africa, may be inherent in flawed civilian rules in some countries, that allow flourishing of, for example, corruption, embezzlement of public funds, meddling with Constitutions for individual political goals, etc.

Accordingly, ECOWAS and other African regional blocs should ensure that member countries with such flawed civilian governments are told to make governance reforms or face expulsion from the blocs.

Currently, there are three West African nations that are under military rule, namely Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. _____________________________ © 2015 - 2022 Africauptodate. All Rights Reserved