Mali: AU reiterates its call for the Malian transition to be led by a civilian

Like ECOWAS, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union has called again for the Malian transition to be led by a civilian.

For a “rapid transition led by a civilian” and a “return to constitutional order”. This is the appeal launched Thursday by the AU Peace and Security Council at the end of a video meeting.

On August 19, the AU had suspended Mali from the organization in the aftermath of the coup d’état. It therefore maintained its line and followed the lead of ECOWAS: yes to an 18-month transition, but no to a military president.

“It is a question of not letting people think that a coup d’état is an acceptable method. The heads of state are afraid of contagion,” said an African diplomat. This would explain “their extraordinary mobilization,” he said.

While some analysts are wondering what will happen if the junta ignores these pressures, others believe that the military junta, fearing a “total embargo” brandished by the ECOWAS countries, wanted to “prepare the ground to ultimately fall in line with the demands” of the sub-regional organization.

The junta will therefore agree to review its copy before next Tuesday, the new deadline set by ECOWAS to take stock before a new visit to Bamako by mediator Goodluck Jonathan.

At the Thursday meeting, the African Union also welcomed the release of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, but reiterated its call for the release of the other personalities still held by the junta.