ECOWAS West Africa’s regional bloc recently lifted sanctions against Mali after the prime minister announced the rest of the transitional government positions almost two months after a military coup on Tuesday.
In a Press Conference, the regional heads of state referenced “significant advances” toward a return to democracy in Mali, recognizing the selection of a civilian president and prime minister to rule the country.
ECOWAS also called on the transitional authorities to set free all remaining detainees arrested since the Aug. 18 coup, when democratically elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was forced to resign after the junta surrounded his home and fired shots into the air.
The regional bloc had insisted that the transitional government be led by civilians, however, junta leader Col. Assimi Goita is staying on as vice president.
On Monday, Prime Minister Moctar Ouane announced the government of 25 ministers, four of them military officials.
Those positions are the Ministry Of Defense, Ministry Of Security, Ministry Of Territorial Administration and Ministry Of National Reconciliation.
Armed movements from the north that signed the 2015 peace agreement have entered the government for the first time with two ministerial portfolios.
