President Muhammadu Buhari Friday
in Abuja enjoined the military junta in Mali to restore the country to
democratic rule within 12 months.
Buhari, a former military leader,
gave the advice today when he joined ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments in a
virtual meeting.
He charged the military junta in
Mali to set an acceptable time table for return to democratic government, since
the country cannot afford to stand alone in the sub-region.
“ I urge the military leadership to consider: the immediate release of all the remaining senior Government officials in detention, without pre-conditions; a transition process, to be completed in not more than 12 months, and which shall include the representatives of Malian stakeholders.
“This is a critical consideration
for the new government to enjoy the cooperation and collaboration of regional
and international community, and to allow the easing of sanctions imposed on
Mali.’’
In his remarks at the third
Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS on the socio-political crisis in Mali, President
Buhari said from the briefings presented by the Special Envoy, former President
Goodluck Jonathan, it was clear that the regional body’s engagements with the
new military leadership in Mali were yet to achieve the desired results in
several key areas.
“I am, however, personally happy
to hear of the release from detention of the former President of Mali, Ibrahim
Boubacar Keita, who is reported to be in good condition. The disposition of the
new leadership to free the remaining senior officials is noted as this should
contribute to the renewed sense of belonging to the Malian people.
“With regards to other areas
being negotiated, Nigeria believes that the people of Mali and the military
leaders need to appreciate the fragility of their country and the imminent
danger which it poses to the citizens of Mali as well as the ECOWAS sub-region,
“the President said.
He added that the military
leadership should be flexible in negotiations by putting the interest of all
Malians and the harmony of the sub-region into consideration.
“For the people of Mali,
specifically the leadership, embracing Democracy and Good Governance is crucial
to the country’s political stability. Mali cannot therefore afford to stand
alone, hence the need to come to terms with the realities of an acceptable and
workable transition compact that inspires the confidence of all Malians.
President Buhari also emphasized
the need for Mali’s Constitutional Court to work hand in hand with all the
Malian stakeholders to ensure an early and hitch-free return to a democratic
government through free, fair and inclusive election.
According to the President, “In
this connection Nigeria will, alongside ECOWAS, provide necessary logistics
support to facilitate the conduct of elections to re-establish democratic
governance in Mali.
“As I conclude this intervention,
let me thank once again, the Mediator, Dr Jonathan, as well as my colleagues in
the sub-region, who have continued to demonstrate sincere commitment to the
resolution of this crisis. Nigeria stands in solidarity with the good people of
Mali.’’
President Buhari commended the
Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President
Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic for convening the Extraordinary Summit.
The President also condoled with
Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote D’ivoire, on the loss of a close aide,
Mamadi Diane.
Among Declarations of the Summit
adopted by ECOWAS leaders were that the transition government in Mali must be
led by civilians, and that the return to constitutional order should be
concluded within 12 months.
Malian military was also
encouraged to focus on securing the country, faced with severe security threats
from its northern part, instead of an incursion into governance.
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