The president of the transition, Bah N’Daw, his prime minister, the diplomat Moctar Ouane, and the vice president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, met on Monday, September 28, in Bamako to discuss the tasks that await them over the next 18 months. But they must first face a problem: the embargo imposed on Mali by ECOWAS has not yet been lifted despite the appointment of a civilian prime minister.
Bamako has not yet officially responded non-lifting of the embargo issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Speaking in a private capacity, an interlocutor from the first circle of the first Malian power explains that contact is maintained with the subregional institution to get things moving.
In an official report, Goodluck Jonathan, envoy for ECOWAS in the Malian crisis, makes observations. For example, the final version of the transitional charter is still not known to the public. However, this document, which marks the 18-month transition, is important.
Powers too broad for the Vice-President
He then noted that the powers of the interim vice president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, leader of the coup leaders on August 18, were a problem. According to an official statement on the day he was sworn in with the president, it was said he could take the latter’s place in case of force majeure. A provision that is not accepted by ECOWAS and that wants a speedy return to power to civilians.
Other problems? The expected dissolution of the junta leadership or the release or presentation of justice to military and civilian detainees. On all these points, the Heads of State of ECOWAS could consult each other, question the Malian authorities before deciding whether to lift the sanctions.
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