Welcome
Federal Foreign Office on the latest developments in Mali
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (8 October) on the latest developments in Mali:
The recent steps taken in Mali to end the political crisis are encouraging: the former Prime Minister and other government members have been released. Following the installation of a transition President and the new transition government, the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) lifted its sanctions against Mali after intensive negotiations.
We welcome the circumspect role played above all by ECOWAS and its special mediator, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, in the negotiations with those involved in the coup. Now the democratic institutions need to be rebuilt and preparations made for new elections within 18 months. The next pressing task is to launch work to reform governance, combat corruption and tackle problems in the security sector. Germany stands ready to follow the process closely and lend its support.
Background information:
Following the military coup in Mali on 18 August 2020, the Military Council and the country’s key political stakeholders agreed on a provisional transition government following mediation by ECOWAS. In recent months, there have repeatedly been political protests and demonstrations against former President Ibrahim Keita. The former Prime Minister and other government members were arrested during the coup on 18 August.