International Relations Commentator, Frank Boateng, has indicated in an interview that, the sanctions imposed on Mali and Guinea by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will produce results of serving as a deterrent to other nations who may want to stage a coup if the sanctions are effectively implemented.
Speaking to Abena Opokua Ahwenee on the “Efa Wo Ho” morning show on Dadi Fm, 101.1, he opined that ECOWAS must strengthen its sanctions, it shouldn’t be lenient and reluctant or other nations may also indulge in the coup trend since the ECOWAS has always been regarded as a toothless dog.
“I must say, this is in the right direction, ECOWAS is now biting and nations which used to undermine the authority and ability of the ECOWAS will now act according to the rules or face sanctions. Military rule is against the rules of ECOWAS and it must effectively implement its sanctions”
In the same spine, Senior lecturer at Kessben and Political Analyst, Samuel Osei Poku added that the ECOWAS has resulted to force since it had done its possible best to persuade these nations to return to civilian rule but the military leaders have been adamant.
According to him, “ECOWAS assist its members in terms of trade, security, traveling and amongst others. Mali and Guinea will suffer grave consequences as ECOWAS may pull all their support from these nations if they remain adamant. They are underdeveloped nations and they need support from ECOWAS”
The ECOWAS on Sunday hardened its stance against military rule in Mali and Guinea, imposing new sanctions and calling on both countries to honor timetables for a return to democracy. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on all members of the transitional authority as well as certain family members, the statement said, adding that ECOWAS would consider additional sanctions in December if no progress is made.
BACKGROUND
Mali’s interim government, which took power following the military’s overthrow of president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020, had promised to oversee an 18-month transition back to democracy culminating in elections of February 27, 2022.
But, they made a U-turn informing ECOWAS “of their ability to meet the transition deadline of February 2022”
The West African bloc first imposed sanctions, including border closure, immediately after last year’s coup but lifted them less than 2 months later after the coup leaders agreed to the 18-month transition.
Last month, Sudanese acting Prime Minister, Abdallah Hamdok, was seized by a group of senior military generals. In September, Guinea’s military staged a coup, ousting longtime President Alpha Conde
Guinea’s interim President, Mamadi Doumbouya, who led the coup, has promised a transition back to democracy but has not said when he will organize an election.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Samuella Frimpong
