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Experts: ECOWAS Decision to Close Borders with Mali Will Hurt Regional Trade,
Stability

Timothy Obiezu

   ABUJA - Members of the Economic Community of West African States, or
   ECOWAS, shut down all their land and air borders with Mali on Wednesday
   after its president announced his resignation following a military
   mutiny. ECOWAS said in a statement that it will also halt trade
   relations with Mali.
   The announcement was made in a statement released by ECOWAS from its
   headquarters in Nigeria after rebel soldiers seized and detained Mali's
   President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and his prime minister.
   The regional body is also threatening stricter measures on trade with
   Mali but macroeconomic analyst Ken Ife says this will have negative
   repercussions on Mali's economy.

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