West African leaders have imposed sanctions on Mali after the country’s military government announced a long delay to elections originally planned for next month.
The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, which met in Accra yesterday, agreed to close borders with Mali as well as implement a range of economic sanctions.
Mali’s military government in response said that it was closing its land and air borders with Ecowas and recalling its ambassadors from member states.
In a statement, the junta said it “strongly” condemned “illegal” sanctions imposed on the country.
West African leaders have been calling for a return to civilian rule since a group of army officers toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta following street protests in August 2020.
Mali’s military rulers now say elections could take place in five years, a delay the West African bloc deems unacceptable.
