Mali’s military ruler, Assimi Goita has disclosed that the country is open dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the wake of new sanctions imposed by the regional body.
Recall that member nations of the West African bloc took the decision at an extraordinary summit in Accra, Ghana on Sunday.
ECOWAS rejected the proposal by Mali’s government to hold elections in 2025, saying it finds it totally unacceptable.
According to the West African body, the delay “simply means that an illegitimate military transition government will take the Malian people hostage”.
The sanctions include the closure of land and air borders with Mali, suspension of non-essential financial transactions and freezing of Mali’s assets in banks in ECOWAS countries.
Goita while speaking on state TV on Monday said while the sanctions are “inhumane,” the country is taking steps to face them.
“Even if we regret the illegitimate, illegal and inhumane nature of certain decisions, Mali remains open to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States to find a consensus,” he said.
“There is concern about the consequences of these measures, but I reassure you all that we are taking actions to face this challenge.”