The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, and security in Mali on 21 March. In this report, the Malian government regrets that it was not able to reach an agreement on the length of the transition, while an article urges the authorities to quickly come up with an acceptable calendar that will lead to the lifting of sanctions. Interim President Assimi Goita receive a warm welcome at the cotton festival in Koutiala, while transport actors decided to increase their costs. On the security front, six people died when their bus hit an IED in the Mopti region. The report includes background information to add context where needed.
