ECOWAS Calls For 12-Month Transition In Mali

The ECOWAS mediators in Mali have told the country’s coupists that the region would accept a transition­al government led by a civilian or a retired army officer for a maximum of 12 months. 

This was disclosed to the media by Mr. Demo Adesina, a senior aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was in attendance when the ECOWAS special envoy to troubled Mali, led by former President Good luck Jonathan of Nigeria, briefed the Nigerian leader on their resolutions in the West African country.

Adesina, in a statement, said President Buhari noted that the priority in the Republic of Mali now should be securing the country, which is largely oc­cupied by terrorists.

The meeting between the Nigerian President and the ECOWAS special envoy came ahead of an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, sched­uled for Thursday.

Buhari stressed that: “About two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”

He said the sub-region would take a common po­sition on the issue when the leaders meet tomorrow, hoping that an amicable and generally acceptable position to all interested parties would be arrived at.

Jonathan brought the president up to speed on dialogue with the mili­tary coup leaders, who are seeking to stay in power for three years, before holding elections.

He said: “We asked them to allow ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to return to his personal residence, where he would be given tight security, but they said he could travel abroad, and not return to answer questions they may have for him.

“We also told them that what would be acceptable to ECOWAS was an interim government, headed by a civilian or retired military officer, to last for six or nine months and maximum of 12 calendar months.

“The interim govern­ment would then organize elections to restore full con­stitutional order.