The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mandated that Mali must immediately appoint a civil government following the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
The bloc gave junta leaders until Tuesday to appoint a new interim leader.
“Today is supposed to be the day that the junta is to put in place a government, which should respond to the criteria we set out in August. That has not been met,” said Ghanan President Nana Akufo-Addo, the acting ECOWAS chair, ahead of the talks.
“That country can no longer afford any delay in putting a responsible government in place,” he said.
Last month, Keita announced his immediate resignation on state television following a military mutiny. Soldiers abducted him and his prime minister, holding them captive for a week.
“If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?” Keita asked. “I hold no hatred towards anyone, my love of my country does not allow me to,” he added. “May God save us.”
On the matter, Mali’s Air force deputy chief of staff Col-Major Ismaël Wagué said that “Civil society and political social movements are invited to join us to create together the best conditions for a civil political transition leading to credible general elections for the exercise of democracy through a roadmap that will lay the foundations for a new Mali.”
“Our country is sinking into chaos, anarchy, and insecurity mostly due to the fault of the people who are in charge of its destiny,” he added.
