A high-level regional delegation of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, held talks with the military junta that overthrew the president in Mali over scheduling elections.
The delegation called on the junta led by Col. Assimi Goïta, who declared himself the leader of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), to initiate a civil transition and prepare for presidential elections within 12 months. The mediation team had been pressing the junta to hand over power to a civilian transitional government. Initially, they called for ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to be reinstalled as president, but that prospect was met by a lot of resistance.
The Current Situation in Mali
Leader of the CNSP Col. Goïta has now assumed the position and responsibility of Head of state. Reports suggest that a new document posted on Mali’s Official Journal, a gazette which publishes new laws and regulations, invests the head of the CNSP with the powers of the head of state. The document which was tagged “Basic Act N°001/CNSP,” was posted online on Thursday. It also states that the CNSP will designate a president as well as appoint senior civil servants and accredit foreign ambassadors. While Mali remains under the control of the military, the ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on the country after the August coup, including a closure of borders and ban on trade and financial flows.
Between the CNSP and the Protest Coalition
The protest coalition that campaigned against former President Keita has proposed that the military junta that ousted him make a transition to civilian rule within 24 months. The protest movement also demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition as it spearheaded the removal of Mr Keita. It has proposed a transition of 18 to 24 months with civilians heading a transitional presidency, government and assembly.
The junta and its leader have yet to respond to any of the proposed transition timelines but have denied reports that it was aiming for a three-year transition plan.
