Mali's leader Assimi Goita said Bamako remains open to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He made the remarks on Monday, after the West African economic bloc's announcement on Sunday that it would impose new sanctions on Mali.

These measures include the immediate withdrawal of ambassadors, the closure of land and air borders, and the suspension of all financial and economic transactions. The latest sanctions follow a proposal by Mali's military-led government last month to stay in power for up to five years before holding elections.