Mali : Discussions On New Gov’t Intensify

A few days after the appointment of the former defense Minister, Ban Ndaw as head of Mali’s transitional government and Assimi Goita as his deputy, discussions have intensified with regards to the distribution of other portfolios. While the post of Prime Minister is practical said to go to a civilian as stated by the charter and demanded by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the other ministerial positions are being tussled for by the different stakeholders.    
With signs of ECOWAS sanctions already visible in some sectors of the economy, both the junta, M5 members and civil society know the stakes ahead of the arrival yesterday of the ECOWAS mediation team headed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. According to a diplomatic source in Bamako, the visit of Mr Goodluckm which ends today is to examine the extent to which the roadmap assigned to the military Junta has been covered and whether it is enough to suspend the prevailing sanctions against the country. If satisfied the source added, the ECOWAS mediation head and his delegation will first assist in the swearing-in of the new head of government before leaving on Friday for Lagos where they are expected to brief via video conference head of member countries. 
According to RFI, the military junta which has been at the centre of every negotiations intends to keep five vital positions; defense, security, equipment, mines and territorial administration,...