The junta currently in power in Mali has decided to return power to civilians in 2024. The announcement was made via a decree signed by Colonel Assimi Goïta on Monday, June 6. A decision that takes ECOWAS by surprise while discussions to find an arrangement are still taking place. For its part, the junta seems to have decided.
The showdown between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) continues. Begun since the military junta took power, this episode between the two entities took a new turn on June 6. Junta boss Colonel Assimi Goïta signed a decree on June 6 setting the duration of the transition at 24 months from March 26, 2022. This decree was also read live on national television.
The junta is therefore reconsidering its February decision. Indeed, it had set the duration of the transition at 5 years. Decision that ECOWAS described as totally unacceptable. Discussions then continued between the two parties without however reaching a consensus. The junta comes with this decision to end the debates.
The timing of this announcement is not insignificant. Indeed, the government of Colonel Goïta signed this decree two days after the ECOWAS summit in Ghana. This summit was devoted to deciding on the evolution of the political situation in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. But the discussions did not lead to anything concrete and ECOWAS had to postpone its decision-making for the next summit scheduled for July 2022.
This decision of the junta is perceived as a way of reiterating its sovereignty in the eyes of the world. It therefore comes to pull the rug from under the feet of ECOWAS and continues to stand up to it and to the international community. On the other hand, this decision can also be a technique to put pressure on the West African organization. Indeed, the message of the junta is clear, if ECOWAS does not revise its position dictated by foreign powers, Mali is ready to decide its own fate.
Naturally, ECOWAS reacted to the junta’s decree by means of a press release. It stated “take note of the signing” of the decree extending the transition period in Mali. “ECOWAS regrets that this decision was taken at a time when negotiations are still taking place, with a view to reaching a consensus”, also specified in the press release, which added that discussions will continue with the Malian authorities.
The government spokesman, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga assured not to fear tension with the West African organization. “On the contrary, the decree “is very eloquent proof of the will for dialogue”, justifying it by the desire to find a “compromise” between the “requirements” of ECOWAS and the “aspirations” of Malians for reforms before the holding of elections at the end of the transition. He asserted.
