Politics
Delegation of 5 West African presidents to Mali in bid to reverse coup
Several thousand people took to the streets of Mali’s capital, Bamako, Wednesday in support of last week’s military takeover and a new constitution hastily written by the coup leaders.
A bloc of West African nations suspended Mali’s membership and is sending five presidents to Mali to try to “restore constitutional order” a week after soldiers ousted the democratically elected leader of this vast country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is also putting a peacekeeping force on standby but the junta leaders are working hard to give the semblance of normalcy here, and thousands are hoping the junta will stay.
“It’s the first time I’m really proud of Mali and of Africa,” said Niamoye Toure, a young doctor. “Honestly I’d given up on Mali. It’s only now with the military that I’ve regained some hope.”
Toure said the marchers wanted ECOWAS to recognize the new leadership.
“Capt. Sanogo isn’t here to hold onto power, but just to bring some order to the country,” she said, referring to coup leader Capt. Amadou Sanogo.
The new constitution was read on state TV late Tuesday night.
