Again, Jonathan Briefs Buhari On Progress Being Made On Mali’s Political Crisis

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, met President Muhammadu Buhari at the state House to further brief him on the progress being made in resolving the socio-political crisis in Mali.

Jonathan who was president of Nigeria between 2010 to 2015, is the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS special envoy who has been in the forefront of the sub-regional body’s mediation mission in Mali. 

As a special envoy, the former President was mandated to facilitate dialogue with major stakeholders in Mali, including ousted former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition leaders, civil society and religious organisations towards resolving the socio-political crisis in the country, 

Mali has since appointed a civilian as Interim President, who will stay in office for 18 months, and lead the country back to constitutional order, after the military had taken over power in the country.

The Presidency, in a statement on Monday evening, confirmed that Jonathan was at Aso rock to further brief the president of the new development.

After hearing presentations from Jonathan, Mr. Buhari disclosed that Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, at the behest of their Chairman, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, may confer again to discuss outstanding grey areas in the Mali political situation.

Special Assistant to the President, Femi Adesina, in a statement said, “That was part of irreducible demands by West African leaders before sanctions imposed on the country could be lifted.

“However, according to the Special Envoy, the military leaders are yet to satisfy ECOWAS demand of a full civilian as Vice President, and what his roles would be in government.

“That position is currently being held by a serving military officer, who was also one of the leaders of the take-over.

“President Buhari counseled the Special Envoy to present a formal report to the new ECOWAS Chairman, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, “who will then write us officially, and we then determine the next steps.”

“The President said with about two-thirds of Mali currently under occupation by terrorists, “the priority of the military should be to secure their country,” rather than hold on to power”.