10 Jan 2022 | 03:09 PM UTC
Mali: ECOWAS imposes sanctions Jan. 9; air and land travel restrictions imposed
ECOWAS imposes sanctions on Mali, including land and air border closures, Jan. 9. Related protests are possible in Mali.
Event
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed a range of sanctions against Mali, with immediate effect Jan. 9. ECOWAS closed the land and air borders of its member states with Mali. ECOWAS has 15 member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. It also suspended all trade except for essential items, including medicines, food, petroleum products, and electricity, and froze all Malian financial assets in ECOWAS banks and commercial banks. The decision comes after the transitional government, in power since the August 2020 coup, recently announced the postponement of the presidential election initially scheduled before February 2022.
Related protests denouncing the announcement are possible in urban centers in Mali such as Bamako. Likely locations include ECOWAS diplomatic representations. Given the pro-transitional government nature of the potential protests, widespread violence and disruptions are unlikely. Should counter-protesters attend, the threat of clashes is elevated at all protest sites. Shortages of some nonessential goods may occur in the coming days. Increased demand for alternative air and ground transportation are likely.
Context
Mali's political environment remains tense following the May 24 arrests and forced resignations of the transitional president, prime minister, and defense minister by elements of the armed forces. On Jan. 1, the transitional government extended the transition period for up to five years, a decision deemed unacceptable by the ECOWAS. Sanctions are unlikely to be lifted until a new civilian government is formed under democratic elections. The sanctions will further complicate the fragile security and political environment and may trigger increased popular discontent within parts of the population in Mali.
Advice
Reconfirm the status of border crossings with and flights operating between Mali and other ECOWAS countries. Anticipate increased demand on alternative routes. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
