Leaders of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS have lifted sanctions imposed on Mali following the August 18 coup d’état that ousted unpopular President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the group said on October 6.

The crippling sanctions on landlocked Mali were lifted following the nomination of retired Colonel Bah Ndaw as interim president, and Moctar Ouane as prime minister of the transition that is expected to last 18 months, the statement said.

“Taking into account the notable progress made towards a constitutional normalisation, and the support the process, the heads of states have decided to lift the sanctions on Mali, and called on partners to support Mali,” said the statement, signed by the chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Mali’s transitional leaders announced a new government on October 5, with some of the top posts going to military officials.