…As Bloc Suspends Mali
By Gbenga Abulude
The Federal Government has condemned the coup in Mali and has called for an immediate activation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standby force.
Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama made the call on his social media handle.
He said the country welcomes the immediate activation of the bloc’s standby force.
The tweet reads: “The Nigerian Government unequivocally condemns the coup d’état that took place in #Mali Monday and demands the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order. We welcome the urgent activation of the #ECOWAS Standby force.”
Meanwhile, Mali has been suspended from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision making bodies with immediate effect.
ECOWAS decision follows the Tuesday’s military forceful takeover of government in that country.
The coupists have also been denied all kinds of legitimacy by the regional body, while also demanding the immediate release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita who has been in detention.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, ECOWAS stated that the military action will impact negatively on the country’s socio-politically.
The regional body has also closed all land and air borders, and has put a stop to all economic, trade and financial aids and transactions between ECOWAS member states and Mali, encouraging all partners to do same.
