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By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
The European Union on Friday imposed targeted sanctions on five members of Mali’s military junta, including Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga. The five designated people are subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories, and an asset freeze. Moreover, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them, either directly or indirectly, the EU said in a statement. The individuals, which include prominent members of the Malian Transition Government, are responsible for actions that obstruct and undermine the successful completion of Mali’s political transition, the EU said.
“The EU continues to stand with the people of the Sahel and reaffirms its full commitment to strict compliance with the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law in Mali.”
-EU statement
On 24 and 25 May 2021, the European Council adopted conclusions in which it strongly condemned the coup d’état which took place in Mali on 24 May 2021, and stated that the EU was ready to consider targeted restrictive measures. On 29 June the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2584 (2021), in which it also condemned the coup and called on all Malian stakeholders to facilitate a full political transition and handover of power to elected civilian authorities within the 18-month transition period. It also called on Mali’s transitional government to hold free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Others sanctioned included top military commanders who removed former Malian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020, the first of two coups. A second coup followed in May 2021.
On 7 November, ECOWAS deplored the lack of progress made in the preparations for the elections, decided to impose sanctions with immediate effect, and called on international partners to endorse and support the implementation of the sanctions.
Malick Diaw is a key member of Colonel Assimi Goïta’s inner circle
As chief of staff of the third military region of Kati, he was one of the instigators and leaders of the 18 August 2020 coup alongside Colonel-Major Ismaël Wagué, Colonel Assimi Goïta, Colonel Sadio Camara and Colonel Modibo Koné.
Colonel-Major Ismaël Wagué is a key member of Colonel Assimi Goïta’s inner circle
and was one of the main actors responsible for the August 2020 coup, alongside Colonel Goïta, Colonel Sadio Camara, Colonel Modibo Koné and Malick Diaw.
Prime Minister since June 2021, Choguel Maïga leads the Transition Government of Mali
established following the coup of 24 May 2021. In his position as Prime Minister, Choguel Maïga is directly responsible for postponing the elections foreseen in the Transition Charter, and he is therefore obstructing and undermining the successful completion of the political transition of Mali, in particular by obstructing and undermining the holding of elections and the handover of power to elected authorities. – EU said
Adama Ben Diarra, known as Camarade Ben Le Cerveau, is one of the young leaders
of the M5-RFP (Mouvement du 5 Juin-Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques), which played a key role in the overthrow of President Keita. Adama Ben Diarra is also the leader of Yéréwolo, which is the main organisation supporting the Transition Authorities, and a member of the National Transitional Council (CNT) since 3 December 2021.
-SOURCE: EU
