The United States has urged the transitional government in Mali to honour its commitments to the Economic Community of West African States .
The commitment includes holding a democratic election within 18 months .
Spokesperson for the US Department of Transitional , Ms Morgan Ortagus, made the call in a statement made available on the website of the US Department of State .
Ortagus said that the US viewed the Republic of Mali ’s establishment of a transitional government “as an initial step towards a return to constitutional order”.
“It will be important for the transitional government to fulfil its pledges to the Malian people .
“To strengthen governance , combat corruption , reform electoral processes and implement the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali ,” it stressed .
The US called on the government to respect human rights and take concrete steps to prevent the violation of such rights by state security forces.
The department also said that when violations occur, investigations should be carried out and those responsible, held to account.
Ortagus said that as a partner of Mali for over 60 years , the US would work with all who are committed to the goals for a better country .
“We firmly believe that a democratic, prosperous and secure Mali is essential to the future of the Sahel ,” Ortagus added .
Mali , supported by France and UN peacekeepers , is struggling with an eight – year -old Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives .
A military junta overthrew president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August , before taking over leadership of the West African nation .
( NAN )
