The continental body’s Peace and Security Council sanctioned Mali, the eighth-largest country in Africa, in response to the two military coups occurred there between August 2020 and May 2021.

Upon vetoing the country’s participation in ‘all activities of the African Union, its organs and institutions, until the constitutional order has been restored in the country,’ the body now assured that in this way it tries to help to restore the newly transition process.

The AU, based in Addis Ababa, also reiterated that it condemns these coups in the strongest possible terms, wherever they occur, and expressed ‘deep concern for the situation in Mali’ and its impact in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States also suspended Mali. During a special summit held in Accra, Ghana, the bloc’s members demanded the immediate appointment of a civilian prime minister and the formation of an inclusive government.

On May 24, transitional President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained by soldiers, but they were released when they resigned.

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