According to AFP, Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given the military junta in Mali one-week altimatum to appoint a civilian transition head by 15 September.

The development comes following the 57th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held on Monday in Niamey, Niger.

Mali’s military ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar on 18 August following weeks of protests in the country.

The 75-year-old and his Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were arrested alongside other government officials after the move by the military.

Keita was held in detention for 10 days, with the military justifying the move saying it was necessary for his own security.

He was flown abroad for medical treatment upon his release.

ECOWAS late last month asked the military to appoint a civilian head to lead the transitional government, but did not announce any deadline for doing so.

Monday’s announcement now leaves the military junta with only eight days to transfer power to a civilian, who ECOWAS said would not participate in the country’s next presidential election.