The Egyptian government has vowed to help Mali return to the Africa Union (AU) after the West African country’s membership to the organisation was blocked following the August 18 coup.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, disclosed this in a phone call with his Malian counterpart, Zeini Moulaye, when congratulating him for assuming the office.
On August 18, a group of Malian soldiers initiated a rebellion at a military base near the capital city of Bamako.
They detained then-President Ibrahim Keita and several other high-ranking governmental officials.
A day after the mutiny, the AU suspended the country’s membership in the alliance until the constitutional order restored.
“Egypt has expressed intent to provide Mali with all possible assistance in the coming period to restore its place in the AU at the earliest opportunity,’’ Shouky said.
The senior Egyptian diplomat promised Moulaye to support Bamako in coping with current issues, as well as fighting against terrorism by means of training courses held by Cairo for the countries of the African region of Sahel.
The military approved the basic law and road map for the 18-month transitional period on September 12 after holding consultations with political and civil society representatives.
Ex-Defence Minister, Ba N’Daou, has been appointed as the president for the transition period and former Foreign Minister, Moctar Ouane, as the new Prime Minister.
Another regional bloc that cooperates with Mali – the 15-nation Western African ECOWAS bloc – announced on October 6 the lifting of sanctions imposed on Bamako in the wake of the August rebellion.