Mali: Protesters Reject ECOWAS Plan, Insist On President’s Resignation

The protesters in Mali have rejected the resolution plan proposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The protesters under the aegis of the ‘June 5 Movement’ insisted that the country’s President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita should resign.

The movement said it “demands the resignation of Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and his regime more than ever,” accusing them of bearing “full responsibility” for Mali’s crisis.

The announcement came a day after heads of the 15-nation bloc ECOWAS stood by Keita and urged him to forge a unity government and resolve an election dispute that has fuelled anger.

The bloc, whose leaders conferred by video link, also warned of sanctions against those who opposed its efforts at “normalization.”

Within hours, Keita named a stripped-down cabinet with ministers for security, justice, foreign affairs and finance, and tasked it with negotiating the formation of a government of national union.

But in scathing language, the June 5 Movement said it had “learned of the conclusions of the extraordinary summit with astonishment.”

ECOWAS — the Economic Community of West African States — “is continuing to reduce the socio-political crisis in Mali to a simple electoral dispute over the second round of the legislative elections,” it said.

The proposals “do not meet the expectations and aspirations of the Malian people in any form, and above all breach the laws and constitution of Mali,” the statement said.

Keita, 75, has been in power since 2013.

The June 5 Movement, named after the date when the protests began, has tapped into deep anger over Keita’s perceived failure to tackle the dire economy, corruption and the eight-year jihadist revolt.