The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, has expressed ‘’strong concerns’’ over delays in Mali’s transition to civilian rule.

It warned of additional economic sanctions if “no concrete progress” was made to hold fresh elections scheduled for late February.

Mali witnessed military coups in August 2020 and May 2021, with the most recent leading to the overthrow of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.

Ecowas also warned that there were no clear indications of a return to constitutional order in neighboring Guinea – three months after the military toppled President Alpha Condé.

Guinea’s military junta had pledged to hold elections within six months of taking over power.

But the bloc said Guinea’s leaders have assured them that a National Transition Council will be in place by the end of December and that council will propose a timetable.

The regional leaders, who met in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, also discussed the deteriorating security situation in the region where armed groups have stepped up violence in several countries including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.