In Mali, junta announces two-year transition in defiance of ECOWAS deadlines

Mali's ruling junta has announced the launch of a two-year transition "process" before elections are held, in defiance of West African bloc partners. The military seized power in August 2020 and has been under pressure to return the nation to democratic rule. In March, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded the organisation of elections within 12 to 16 months. But the bloc's mediation has failed to persuade Bamako to limit the transition period. Choguel Maiga, the prime minister installed by Mali's military, said: "We cannot go below 24 months unless we decide to postpone or not to carry out certain actions until the end." However, ECOWAS still wants elections held in no more than 16 months, and Maiga said discussions continue with the regional grouping.
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