Ghana condemns coup d’état in Mali

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has registered her displeasure at the coup d’état that erupted in Mali, describing the action as regrettable.

Addressing participants at the extraordinary summit of ECOWAS heads of state and government on Thursday, 20 August, 2020, Ms Botchway condemned the unfortunate incident.

The foreign affairs minister representing President Akufo-Addo also stated that the mayhem in Mali has the potential of escalating in the country and across the Sahel region.

“The events in Mali are taking place at a time when the country is experiencing socio-economic and political difficulties, complicated by security threats posed by jihadists and extremists which have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The security situation in Mali poses grave danger to regional security if not urgently and effectively managed. The situation has the potential to escalate jihadist activities in the country and the Sahel region in general.

It also has the potential to destabilize the region and further undermine development within Mali,” she said.

She however added that the Republic of Ghana reiterates its solidarity with the resolve and strong sanctions imposed by ECOWAS Commission and the African Union and the positions expressed by the United Nations Security Council as well as other International Organisations in rejecting unconstitutional change of government in Mali.

The Government of Ghana adds its voice to the calls for the immediate release of President Keita and senior officials of his government. We also support the proposal for the immediate dispatch of an ECOWAS delegation to Mali to ensure the return to normalcy, peace and order as well as Constitutional rule.

On Tuesday 18 August 2020, soldiers seized and detained Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta which led to his resignation.

The soldiers have since assumed office.

Coup leaders in Mali say a transitional president will be appointed, drawn from either the civilian population or the military.

They say elections will be held in what they describe as a reasonable time and have also promised to respect international agreements on fighting jihadists.

Earlier on Thursday, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) said it would send envoys to ensure the return of constitutional order.

There is an increased military presence outside government ministries in the capital, Bamako, but shops and businesses have been open.

Mali, a vast country stretching into the Sahara Desert, is among the poorest in the world and has experienced several military takeovers. It is currently battling to contain a wave of jihadist attacks and ethnic violence.

Mr Keïta won a second term in elections in 2018, but since June has faced huge street protests over corruption, mismanagement of the economy and disputed legislative elections.

There has also been anger among troops about pay and the conflict with jihadists.