ECOWAS welcomes Mali's transitional government

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, welcomed the inauguration of a transitional government in Mali on Friday, following last month's military coup.

Former defence minister Bah N'Daw was sworn in as transitional president, while the head of the military junta that currently leads Mali, Assimi Goita, was installed as transitional vice-president.

ECOWAS mediator Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the two men but said sanctions imposed by the regional bloc would not be lifted until the appointment of a civilian prime minister.

Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the urgency of the appointment, saying the new prime minister would be responsible for arranging new elections to restore democratic rule to the country.

(Representative Image)