Mali's isolation deepens

Meeting in the Ivorian city of Abidjan, representatives from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were discussing the overthrow of Mali's government by renegade soldiers last week.

"We must equally put in place strategies to fight against the plagues and threats that weaken our region," ECOWAS chief Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara added, calling for a series of "actions to be undertaken as soon as possible."

"Our position must equally send a strong signal to all of Africa," he continued, going on to condemn the Mali coup "perpetrated against a democratically elected regime."

The president of the ECOWAS commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo of Burkina Faso, described the security situation in Mali as "extremely serious and complex."

"The security situation in the country, provoked by the rebellion and the coup, dangerously threatens not just the peace and security in Mali, but also peace, stability and development in all ECOWAS members," he said.

National representatives to ECOWAS were reportedly weighing up whether to suspend Mali from the group over the rebellion.

"Our position must consist of a series of actions to take quickly," Ouattara said. "This position must also be a signal to Africa and the world that ECOWAS can address its problems and make decisions to reinforce stability, cohesion and unity."

The military takeover in Mali has been roundly condemned around the world with the United Nations, European Union and African Union all calling for a return to civilian rule.

The Malian junta has sent two envoys to the Abidjan talks following a request from Ouattara.

Meanwhile, the acting head of an EU delegation in Mali has reportedly met with the coup leaders to ask for a return to constitutional order.

dfm/rc (AP, ARP, Reuters)