UN Secretary General António Guterres says it’s “absolutely essential” for Mali’s military leaders to announce an acceptable timeline for civilian elections.

Mr Guterres said he was working with the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, and the African Union to create conditions that could allow Mali to adopt a reasonable position for a quick transition.

He said he also hoped to speak soon with the Malian government.

Ecowas has imposed tough sanctions on Mali after the military government announced a long delay to the elections originally planned for February.

This includes a range of trade sanctions and land and air border closures.

The European Union on Thursday also said it would impose sanctions on Mali.

Source: bbc