The State of Qatar participated in the extraordinary session of the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF), chaired by the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo.
Qatar was represented at the session, which was held via videoconference, by HE the Ambassador of Qatar to the French Republic and Qatar's representative to the International Organization of La Francophonie Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani.
This session reviewed the latest development of the situation in Mali following the coup that took place on May 24, 2021 against the legitimate transitional authorities. The meeting resulted in a unanimous decision that strongly condemned these events and decided, in accordance with the terms of the Bamako Declaration, to suspend the membership of the Republic of Mali in the Francophonie while preserving the Francophone multilateral cooperation programmes, especially those supporting the restoration of the constitutional order and democracy.
The Permanent Council of La Francophonie called on the Malian Defense and Security Forces to immediately lift all restrictions imposed on all political actors, in particular the house arrest imposed on the former President and Prime Minister. The Council also called for the appointment of a civilian prime minister and an inclusive government that reflects Mali's social and political diversity and respects financial legislation related to women's representation in political bodies.
On the other hand, the Permanent Council of La Francophonie demanded that the next elections be organized no later than March 2022, within a coordinated framework that guarantees their free, reliable and transparent nature. The Council also renewed its support for the continued efforts of international and regional partners, particularly the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), and its readiness to work side by side with them for an inclusive and peaceful transition.
This meeting was an opportunity to affirm Qatar's full support for all regional and international efforts and those of the International Organization of La Francophonie aimed at finding an urgent solution to the crisis in Mali in a way that meets the aspirations of the people for security and decent living and preserves the stability of the region.
HE the Ambassador of Qatar to the French Republic and Qatar's representative to the International Organization of La Francophonie Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani participates in the session via videoconferencing