President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday received updates on the Mali situation from the Special Envoy/Mediator to the West African country, former President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Buhari expressed delight that the Mali situation had calmed down considerably, following interventions by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We can’t do hop, step and jump like other developed nations of the world, but one is delighted at the successes recorded,” the President said.
After the intervention by the military in Mali, ECOWAS had insisted on a transition government led by a civilian, and returned to constitutional order within 12-18 months, among others.
Updating the President, former President Jonathan said the mission given him by ECOWAS leaders was almost fully done, as a government with a largely civilian face has been inaugurated.
“The President has been sworn in, the Prime Minister, and Ministers too. The military has only four portfolios for serving officers, and the government has taken off. The Council, which will work like parliamentarians, will be inaugurated soon,” Dr Jonathan said.
He added that the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana would formally brief West African leaders soon.
Recall that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had last week lifted the sanctions imposed on Mali in the wake of an August 18, 2020, military coup, citing Mali’s “notable advances towards constitutional normalisation” as the reason for the relaxation of the sanctions.
