The UN special envoy for West Africa admits elections cannot take place in Mali by February next year and suggests dialogue between transition authorities and the regional bloc, ECOWAS.

The Economic Community of West African States imposed sanctions on 149 transition officials last week after accusing them of undermining efforts to return the country to civilian-rule.

Transition authorities insist that the pending election will take place after a national dialogue on the re-foundation of the state.

Here’s UN envoy Mahamat Saleh Annadif addressing a press conference Thursday here in Dakar.