The Malian government has declared the Special Representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ‘persona non grata’ while also giving him 72 hours to leave the country.
A statement issued on Monday by the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York stated that the special representative of ECOWAS in Mali, Hamidou Boly, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ‘notified of the decision of the government” declaring him “persona non grata in view of his actions incompatible with his status’.
He was also informed that he had 72 hours to leave the country.
‘This decision comes after several warnings addressed to the person concerned through his hierarchy”, indicating the Malian government which reaffirmed its “readiness to maintain dialogue” with ECOWAS and to “work together” for the success of the transition.’ the statement said.
This decision was taken by the Malian authorities following a UN Security Council mission on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 to assess the country’s political situation, after being urged by ECOWAS to respect the deadline of 18 months of transition (from Sept. 15, 2020), thus to organize the first round of legislative and presidential elections on Feb. 27.
Africa Today News, New York reports that ECOWAS President-in-Office John Nana Akuffo-Addo of Ghana made an official visit to Bamako on Oct. 17 to discuss with the Malian authorities the ‘evolution’ of this transition.
After the coup on Aug. 18, 2020, a political transition is underway in the West African country since Sept. 15, 2020 for 18 months.
However, in recent weeks, the transitional authorities have called for the postponement of the first rounds of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Feb. 27, 2022, thus extending the deadline for the transitional period.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK