Mali threatened with more sanctions

West Africa’s regional bloc Ecowas has threatened to re- impose sanctions on Mali, saying that the junta’s actions “appear clearly designed to disrupt the political transition” after a coup in the West African nation.

The statement yesterday came as Mali’s junta leader, Captain Amadou Sanogo, declared that the country would hold a national convention to choose a leader to rule until elections can be organised.

“The Ecowas Commission has observed with deep concern the worrying statements and actions emanating from members of the [junta] and their civilian associates in the last few days,” said a statement from Ecowas. The statement warned that Mali would again face sanctions if the putsch did not alter its behaviour.

Ecowas imposed heavy sanctions on Mali shortly after the 21 March coup, but lifted the measures a few days later when the junta agreed in principle to return the country to constitutional rule.

Capt Sanogo yesterday summoned reporters to military barracks to announce the national convention, which he said would include representatives from all segments of Malian society.

“The main goal of this convention will be to choose the man or woman who will become president of Mali,” Capt Sanogo said.

Interim president Dioncounda Traore was sworn in after an agreement between the junta and Ecowas last month but his term is scheduled to end ends on 22 May when new elections must be held.