Mali: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ready to send troops in Mali
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed its pledge to send troops to Mali to help the government recapture the north from Islamist groups.
ECOWAS Commission President Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo said the regional bloc is ready to deploy its standby force to Mali once the country’s interim government makes the request.
The pledge came in a statement welcoming last week’s return of Mali’s interim President Dioncounda Traore, who went abroad for medical treatment after being beaten by anti-government protesters.
On Sunday, Mr. Traore announced plans to overhaul his transitional government and request foreign help in retaking the northern region.