Mali
The residents of Mali's capital, Bamako, have reacted with indignation to the latest package of sanctions imposed to the country by ECOWAS.
The new sanctions include border closures, a trade embargo and a freeze on state assets.
''Today ECOWAS acts as a club. And this club is working against Africa, against the West African people. So we do not agree with these decisions", says Lassana Camara, a resident in the capital.
Another resident, Sékou Touré, adds "this is not surprising. ECOWAS is currently a union of heads of state, and since 2012, we have been under embargo".
"To arm wrestle with ECOWAS is not good, because today we are already facing sanctions... we do not know where this will lead our country. Secondly, if Mali is to be freed, I think that this arm wrestling is necessary for the freedom of Mali", concludes Daoulata Haïdara.
The new sanctions have been imposed over delays to the restoration of civilian rule to the country, currently led by a military junta.
Go to video
UN Security Council adopts draft resolution extending Yemen sanctions for another year
01:00
Ivory Coast experiences increased refugee influx from Mali conflict
00:54
Mali’s foreign minister dismisses fears of jihadist takeover
00:54
Mali: African Union Commission calls for urgent international action on security crisis
00:59
Mali: France advises its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible
Go to video
Mali’s leader addresses deadly fuel crisis amid jihadi blockade