In a statement released today in Addis Ababa, headquarters of the African Union, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he “welcomes the announcement made by the Malian Transitional Authorities on the convening of a referendum on 18 June 2023 to adopt a new constitution with a view to returning the country to democratic order.
The diplomat commended all the efforts made by the transitional authorities, including creating an Independent Electoral Body and the mechanisms to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the transition timetable.
Moussa Faki further called on Malian political actors, religious groups and other stakeholders to engage constructively with the transitional authorities in building an inclusive, democratic and capable state and to contribute to the success of the referendum by putting the country’s interest first.
The former Prime Minister of Chad, in his role as Chair of the Commission, pledged the Commission’s continued support to “accompany the authorities and the people of Mali in the effective and seamless implementation of the transitional mandate” and reiterated the need for an inclusive, transparent and credible management of the transitional process, ahead of the upcoming elections in March 2024.