France is prepared to back the civil transition of power in Mali on conditions set by ECOWAS and takes note of the first appointments to the Malian transition government, the French foreign ministry said.

The military junta responsible for the coup in Mali, on Monday, appointed former defence minister Ba N’Daou as the transition president. Mr. N’Daou is due to serve for 18 months before a new government is established.

“France is ready to accompany and support the civil transition in Mali that will take place under the conditions set by ECOWAS,” the statement said.

Paris also called the appointments to the transition government an “encouraging first step” in the process of curbing the political crisis in Mali, which should lead to democratic elections.

The ministry added that further appointments to the transition government are expected under the observation of African and European experts.

The military coup in Mali began on August 18 not far from the capital of Bamako and resulted in the resignation of then-President Ibrahim Keita and his government.

The coup leaders established the CNSP (National Committee for the Salvation of the People) to run the country pending before a transition government is finalised.

On September 7, ECOWAS urged the junta to appoint members of government for a transitional period until September 23, saying it would otherwise impose a full embargo on the country.