ECOWAS warns Mali junta to stand down

Mali’s neighbours have threatened to use sanctions and even military force to remove the army officers behind last week’s coup. At a summit of the Economic Community of West African States it was agreed that a team of national leaders would be sent to confront the junta members within 48 hours. Ivory Coast’s president and chairman of the bloc, Alassane Ouattara said: “dialogue and consultation will be the first instruments in the search for a solution. But there would be no hesitation in using any other options dictated by circumstances.” Already the US and EU have cut off aid – additional sanctions would be a major blow to the junta which has been accused of erasing two decades of democratic rule in a matter of hours. Meanwhile in Mali’s capital the coup leaders have announced the adoption of a new constitution that will guarantee democracy. However opposition parties plan to bring the country to a standstill through a general strike to force the junta to return the country to civilian rule.