10 Mar 2022 | 12:16 PM UTC
Mali: ECOWAS-imposed sanctions ongoing as of March 10; air and land travel restrictions imposed /update 2
ECOWAS maintains sanctions on Mali, including land and air border closures, as of March 10. Transport disruptions likely.
Event
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is maintaining a range of sanctions against Mali as of March 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 for February 2022. It is unclear how long ECOWAS will maintain the sanctions. 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. Guinea is not participating in sanctions and is leaving its borders open. Mauritania's government has joined ECOWAS members in enforcing sanctions.
Protests denouncing the sanctions may occur across multiple urban centers in Mali, including Bamako, in the days and weeks ahead. Likely locations include ECOWAS diplomatic representations. Widespread violence and disruptions are unlikely at any protests that may take place. Shortages of some nonessential goods may occur. Increased demand for alternative air and ground transportation is likely.
Context
Mali's political environment remains tense following the May 24, 2021 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 ECOWAS deemed unacceptable. Sanctions will probably remain in force until a new civilian government is formed under democratic elections. The sanctions will further complicate the fragile security and political environment.
Advice
Reconfirm the status of border crossings 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.
