Just got these sent, I have translated as best I could .. .. ..
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Republic of Mali presents its compliments to the Commission of the Economic Community of Eastern African States and has the honor to acknowledge receipt of this verbal note referenced ECW/Op/DC /31.01.24/ak dated January 31, 2024.
In response, the ministry reiterates the irreversible nature of the decision of the government of the Republic of Mali to withdraw without delay from ECOWAS due to the violation by the organization of its own texts, as well as the other legitimate reasons mentioned in the joint communiqué No001 from Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, dated January 28, 2024.
In fact, ECOWAS, by the decision of the conference of heads of state and government, dated January 9, 2022, imposed sanctions on Mali contrary to the relevant community provisions, in particular the revised ECOWAS treaty of July 24 1993 and the additional protocol A/SA.13/02/12 of February 17, 2012 relating to the regime of sanctions against member states which do not honor their obligations vis-à-vis ECOWAS.
Neither its texts nor any other legal instrument of the organization provides for the closure of borders to a member state.Furthermore, by this decision, the ECOWAS conference violated the right of access to and from the sea and the freedom of transit of Mali, as provided for in Article 125 of the United Nations Convention on the Right the sea, adopted in Montego Bay on December 10, 1982.
The minister indicates to the commission that these serious failures committed by ECOWAS render the ECOWAS treaty inoperative, with regard to the relevant provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 1969, in particular those relating to non-interference in affairs and internal affairs of states, the occurrence of a situation making the execution of the treaty impossible and the fundamental change by the commission.
Consequently, the government of the republic of Mali is no longer bound by the deadline constraints mentioned in article 91 of the revised treaty and mentioned by the commission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali takes this opportunity to renew to the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the assurances of its distinguished consideration.
The ECOWAS Letter to Senegal
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States is following developments in the situation in Senegal with concern.
It advises against any action or declaration that could go against the provisions of the country's constitution and reminds the population and the political class of their responsibility in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
The ECOWAS commission encourages the political class to urgently take the necessary measures to restore the electrol calendar in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of Senegal.
In these difficult times for the country and the region, the commission appeals to all stakeholders to renounce violence and any action likely to further disturb the peace and stability of the country. She urges law enforcement to exercise the utmost restraint and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
The ECOWAS commission will remain attentive to events and will take all necessary measures to support the Senegalese government and people in maintaining Senegal's democratic tradition.
Abuja on February 6, 2024
(20min delay)