ECOWAS expresses its “firm condemnation” of jihadist attacks in the capital of Mali

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed, on Wednesday, September 18, its “strong condemnation” jihadist attacks that hit Bamako, the capital of Mali, on Tuesday. In a statement published on social networks, ECOWAS “wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to any initiative” favorable to peace.

Bamako was the scene on Tuesday of attacks unprecedented in years in the capital and claimed by jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The human toll remains undetermined.

Mali, plunged into a deep crisis since 2012, broke with ECOWAS in January at the same time as its Burkinabe and Nigerien neighbors. The three countries, facing common problems and led by military regimes following successive putschs since 2020, accuse ECOWAS of not having supported them in the face of jihadism and of being subservient to the former French colonial power.