This archive report was first published on 26 October 2021.
Published on October 26, 2021
Bamako, Mali - The Malian transition government has expelled the representative of the West African regional bloc Ecowas, accusing him of working against its interests.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry in Bamako and aired on state broadcaster ORTM, the government declared Mr. Hamidou Boly persona non grata and instructed him to leave the country within 72 hours.
The move is seen as a major escalation in the ongoing crisis in Mali, which plunged into turmoil in August 2020 after soldiers led by Colonel Assimi Goita overthrew the government of former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
The junta was forced to set up a civilian government in the face of sanctions by Ecowas, but ten months later, Colonel Goita staged a second coup, forcing the civilian government out after accusing them of violating the transition charter.
The country has been under Ecowas sanctions since then, with the bloc insisting on the transition government holding elections and transferring power within an 18-month deadline.
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is also the chairman of Ecowas, visited Mali two weeks ago to reiterate the bloc's position.
