Mali: Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the appointment of the interim President and the new government

06.10.2020

The European Union welcomes the appointment of interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and the installation of a government paving the way for a handover to civilian rule in Mali over an 18-month period. The European Union also welcomes the lifting of sanctions against Mali adopted in response to the events of 18 August, following several weeks of sustained negotiations by the Economic Community of West African States.

Now that these conditions have been met, the European Union is ready to support the transition with a view to holding credible elections leading to the restoration of constitutional order and to carrying out the priority reforms necessary if Mali is to tackle the long-term structural challenges it faces. This transition period represents an important window of opportunity in which to rebuild a national pact around more accountable, more inclusive public institutions, in line with the clearly expressed wishes of the Malian people. Within the framework of a demanding partnership, the European Union will place particular emphasis on practical steps in areas such as governance, measures to combat impunity and corruption, more efficient, transparent and accountable management of the defence and security forces and a more effective presence of state bodies in the most vulnerable regions for the benefit of the people. As President Ndaw emphasised in his inaugural speech, implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation remains an imperative.

Nabila Massrali
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0) 2 29 88093
+32 (0) 460 79 52 44
Gesine Knolle
Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/International Partnerships
+32 (0)2 29 54323
+32 (0)460 754 323