After sanctions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over Mali’s five-year election plan, the effects of the sanctions are beginning to bite hard on travellers.
According to the AFP, travellers have been shut out of the nation currently ruled by the military. ECOWAS’ decision on Sunday has forced many to stay back in Mali as the borders have been shut and a trade embargo placed on the country. The Malian military government ruled by Col. Assimi Goita said that the sanctions are extreme and charged Malians to protest against ECOWAS.
The current sanctions have left travelers in limbo including those who are connecting Mali as a transit spot before continuing their journey.
Transport companies say they still move travellers but can’t take them beyond the Malian border, from where they cross to the other side on foot and connect another bus.
ECOWAS sanctions are coming on the back of the decision of Goita’s government to botch elections in 2022 and rule for a period of five years. This has been met with widespread criticisms and the United States government has also rejected Mali’s decision.
It remains unclear when the sanctions will be lifted with the Malian government promising to safeguard its sovereignty and preserve the integrity of its national territory.
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