Coup: ECOWAS Suspends Mali From Its Internal Decision-making Bodies

The Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday condemned a military coup in Mali and pledged a range of retaliatory actions, including financial sanctions.

Recall that, Rebel soldiers arrested Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse on Tuesday afternoon following weeks of political unrest in the country.

In a statement, ECOWAS said that its members would close land and air borders to Mali and pledged to demand sanctions against “all the putschists and their partners and collaborators”.

The 15-nation bloc – which includes Mali – also said that it would suspend the country from its internal decision-making bodies.

Mali President, Keita who is 75, is currently being held by rebel soldiers outside of the capital.

(AFP)