BAMAKO: Mali's interim President, Assimi Goita, has signed a decree extending the country's political transition for another two years.

According to the Xinhua reports, the decision occurred following the 6th Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra, Ghana.
The West African leaders were unable to reach an agreement on the easing of Mali's sanctions. On July 3, they also decided to re-examine the situation in Mali, while suggesting that the discussion be continued in order to secure "a gradual easing of sanctions" as "the transition criteria are met."

Following the coup on August 18, 2020, Mali began an 18-month political transition on September 15 of that year. Since then, the transitional authorities have been working with the ECOWAS to extend the deadline.

Since toppling the government in 2020, the Malian transitional administration has been charged with restoring constitutional order. It failed to follow through on a promise to hold elections in February this year, prompting the ECOWAS to impose broad sanctions.

Interim Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga announced in April the commencement of a 24-month transition period in which the country will have free and transparent presidential elections.

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