Indications emerged on Monday that Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (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.
President Muhammadu Buhari gave the indication after receiving a briefing at State House, Abuja, Monday, from ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Despite the appointment of a civilian as Interim President in the crises ridden Mali, reports indicate that about two-thirds of that country remains under the control of terrorists
The interim President is expected to stay in office for 18 months and lead the country back to constitutional order, following the recent military coup at led to the Military taking over powers in the country.
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 coup.
President Buhari counselled 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.
