Mali: ECOWAS imposed sanctions ongoing as of Feb. 10; air and land travel restrictions imposed /update 1

Event

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is maintaining a range of sanctions against Mali as of Feb. 10. ECOWAS closed the land and air borders of its member states with Mali Jan. 9. The decision came after the transitional government, in power since the August 2020 coup, announced the postponement of the presidential election initially scheduled before February 2022. 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.

ECOWAS has suspended all trade with Mali except for essential items, including medicines, food, petroleum products, and electricity. Members states have also frozen all Malian assets in their respective financial institutions. The Guinean government, however, has stated that it would not adhere to the ECOWAS sanctions and would leave its borders with borders Mali open. Air France (AF) has also suspended all flights to and from Mali for the foreseeable future in light of the sanctions. Mauritania's government previously stated that it would leave its borders with Mali open but has since closed them due to pressure from ECOWAS members.

Related protests have occurred across multiple urban centers in Mali, including Bamako. Further protest activity denouncing the sanctions are likely in the days and weeks ahead. 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 is 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.