The president of the transition Bah N'Daw, his Prime Minister the diplomat Moctar Ouane, as well as the vice-president Colonel Assimi Goïta met Monday, September 28 in Bamako to discuss the tasks that await them for the next 18 months. But they must first face a problem: the embargo decreed against Mali by ECOWAS has not yet been lifted despite the appointment of a civilian Prime Minister.

With our correspondent in Bamako, Serge Daniel

Bamako has not yet officially reacted to the non-lifting of the embargo decreed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, speaking privately, an interlocutor from the first circle of the new Malian power, explains that contact is maintained with the sub-regional institution in order to move things forward.

In an official report, Goodluck Jonathan, ECOWAS envoy in the Malian crisis, makes observations. For example, the final version of the transition charter is still not known to the general public. However, this document which marks the 18 months of transition is important.

Then, he notes that the prerogatives of the transitional vice-president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, leader of the putschists of August 18 pose a problem. According to an official statement on the day of his swearing in alongside the president, it was said that he could take the latter's place in the event of force majeure. A provision not accepted by ECOWAS which wants a rapid return of power to civilians.

Other problems ? The expected dissolution of the junta's leadership or the release or presentation to justice of military and civilian detainees. On all these points, the Heads of State of ECOWAS could consult each other, question the Malian authorities before deciding whether or not to lift the sanctions.