Mali opposition protest after inconclusive ECOWAS mediation

<p>Opponents of Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita erected barricades in the capital Bamako on Monday, after international mediators failed to resolve a protracted political crisis that has shaken the West African country. </p> <p>The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States completed a mediation mission last Sunday with a list of reform proposals. But the opposition spurned the proposals as they did not address its main demand – that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigns.</p> <p>The president and the opposition June 5 Movement have for weeks been locked in a political standoff, which spiralled into violent clashes earlier this month, leaving 11 dead.</p> <p>But the uncertain conclusion of the mediation has left the path to exiting Mali’s impasse uncertain. </p> <p>On Monday, many Malians were waiting for a reaction from the president and opposition leaders, who have not yet spoken on the issue.</p>