Panafrican News Agency

Malian govt calls for 'general mobilisation of the population' on Friday following sanctions

Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian government on Monday called for a general mobilisation of the population and the Malian diaspora on Friday.

It also asked religious and customary authorities to organise prayer sessions in all places of worship, following sanctions imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Malian government announced a response plan to safeguard Mali's sovereignty and preserve the integrity of the country, urging all social partners for a truce in order to face the challenges of the day.

It congratulated the Armed and Security Forces for the results achieved in the fight against terrorism and securing of the country and called on the population to remain calm.

The government gave the assurance that all measures would be taken to deal with the effects of the measures announced by ECOWAS, following the junta's failure to abide by a 27 February 2022 deadline to hold elections.

At the end of their summit held on 9 January in Accra, ECOWAS announced a series of sanctions against Mali, including the closure of the borders of member states, suspension of financial transactions and freeze of assets at the Central Bank of West African States.

-0- PANA GT/JSG/BBA/MA 11Jan2022