Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has welcomed the announcement made by the Transition Authorities in Mali to convene a constitutional referendum on 18 June 2023.
This move aims to adopt the country’s new Constitution as part of the ruling junta’s key collective efforts towards the return to constitutional order.
Mali has been ruled by the transition government since the military coup on August 18, 2020, followed by another in May 2021.
Mahamat commended all efforts afforded by the Transition Authorities, including the establishment of the Independent Electoral Organ and respective mechanisms “aimed at ascertaining the timeous and effective operationalization of the transition calendar.”
He called on Malian political actors, religious groups and other stakeholders to constructively engage the transitional authorities towards building an inclusive, democratic and capable State.
Furthermore, he appealed to all national stakeholders to contribute to the success of the referendum by putting the interests of the country first.
In addition, the Chairperson pledged the continued support of the African Union Commission in accompanying the authorities and people in Mali, towards the seamless and effective delivery of the transition mandate.
He reiterated the need for an inclusive, transparent and credible management of the transition process, ahead of the upcoming elections in March 2024.
