Mali has been hit by fresh sanctions from Ecowas leaders after their government run by the military announced a long delay to the country's election.
The election which was supposed to take place next month as originally planned could take five years.
On Sunday 9th January 2021, the West African regional bloc, Ecowas came into consensus to close borders with Mali as well as implement a range of economic sanctions during a meeting in Accra, Ghana.
The Military led government after the sanctions imposed on his country has responded.
In response to the Ecowas sanctions the government is closing its land and air borders with ecowas and recalling its ambassadors from the member states.
In a statement, the junta said it "strongly" condemned "illegal" sanctions imposed on the country.
West African leaders have been calling for a return to civilian rule since a group of army officers toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta following street protests in August 2020.
Mali’s military rulers now say elections could take place in five years - a delay the West African bloc deems unacceptable.