By Godfrey Olukya 25-10-2012
The African Union (AU) has re-admitted Mali after suspending it following a coup in March, 2012.
Mali was suspended from African union after army officers there overthrew the elected government. Since then the country has been hit with chaos leading the Islamists taking control of the north.
Because of mistreatment of civilians by Islaimsts, AU has also backed plans for Mali authorities to recapture the north.
According to AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra, also lifted is the suspension of Mali’s participation in the activities of the AU.
Mali’s re-admission was effected yesterday in Adis- Ababa where AU also endorsed a plan urging the restoration of state authority of the northern part of the country.
According to Lamamra, AU also calls for free elections in Mali early next year. He said AU will soon present her plans on Mali to the United Nations Security Council for endorsement.
Mali’s authorities have been requested by AU to set up a national body to open
talks with any armed groups in the north willing to hold talks so that peace returns in the country.
There are reports that ECOWAS has already assembled over 2500 troops to retake Mali’s north. AU said it was working with Mali, the UN, EU and others
on plans for the early deployment of an African-led international force to help Mali recover the occupied territories in the North.
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