A delegation from the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is expected to arrive soon in Bamako, after the bloc held an emergency summit on Thursday aimed at reversing the coup.
The mission, led by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, intends “to negotiate the immediate release of the president and also ensure the restoration of constitutional government,” Jonathan’s spokesman said. The timing of the visit is not yet confirmed.
ECOWAS has already suspended Mali’s membership, shut off borders and halted financial flows to the country.
France, which has troops in Mali to counter the jihadist threat, has joined other foreign powers in condemning the junta and calling for Keita’s release. But in contrast to ECOWAS, it has emphasised the need for a return to democratic rule, rather than the reversal of the coup.
“Power must be returned to civilians as soon as possible and the transition guaranteed,” French President, Emmanuel Macron, said on Thursday.
