ECOWAS lifts economic sanctions on Mali — after six months

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lifted the economic and financial sanctions placed on Mali.

ECOWAS had, at an extraordinary summit in Ghana in January 2022, imposed economic and financial sanctions on Mali.

The sanctions were imposed following a political crisis in Mali and the delay by the military transition government on organising elections.

According to a communique released after the 61st ordinary session of the authority of the heads of state and government, held on Sunday, the West African organisation said it was taking into account the efforts of the mediation team led by Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria.

“On Mali, the Authority has been informed by the Mediator on the transition evolution. It takes note of the promulgation of a new electoral law on 24th June 2022 which establishes the single election management body, Agence Independante de Gestion des Elections (AIGE), among others,” the communique reads.

“The Authority also takes note of the transition timetable submitted by the Transition Authority which provides for a duration of 24 months from 29 March 2022. The timetable provides details of the steps that would lead to elections and the restoration of civilian rule, notably the constitutional reform. The Heads of State and Government decide to maintain dialogue with the Transition authorities, through the ECOWAS Mediator for Mali.

“On the basis on the above, the Authority decides to lift the following sanctions: The economic and financial imposed on 9 January 2022 — the closure of the land and air borders between ECOWAS Member States and Mali; the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali; the freezing of the assets of the Republic of Mali domiciled in the Central Banks and Commercial Banks of all ECOWAS Member States; the freezing of the assets of public and parastatal enterprises of the Republic of Mali domiciled in commercial banks of all ECOWAS Member States; the suspension of all financial assistance and transactions in favour of Mali by ECOWAS Financial Institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.”