The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African Sstates (ECOWAS), President Mahamadou Issoufou says the sub-regional organisation will do all it takes to mitigate the political crisis in Mali.
This assurance came after many hours of consultations in the nation’s capital, Bamako, on Thursday.
At the meeting, ECOWAS Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and leader of the opposition, Imam Mahmoud Dicko and representatives of opposition alliance, M5 and Civil Society Organisations briefed the high power delegate that include President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, host President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Presidents Machy Sall of Senegal, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.
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The host President also briefed the Heads of State and government on the socio-political situation in the country, especially the disagreements that spiraled into protests and violence.
While briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, President Issoufou of Niger Republic, said an extra-ordinary virtual meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State and government will be held on Monday 26 July, 2020.
This he said is to further deliberate on the issues raised, with a view to finding lasting solution to the crisis and restore peace to the country.
He disclosed that the sub-regional leaders had already agreed there would be a need for a compromise to protect the peace and integrity of the nation.
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He stated that allowing a political crisis in Mali would affect the security situation in West Africa, especially neighboring countries.
The ECOWAS Chairman commended Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan, for accepting to lead an initial mission to the country to broker peace, and make findings, while appreciating all the West African leaders who attended the meeting.
Earlier, Ghanaian President said that the ECOWAS protocol would be followed, explaining that the democratic tenet adopted by the sub-regional body clearly spells out that a President can only be voted into power, and voted out by election, except he completes his tenure.
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The Ghanaian leader noted that the protocol would be adhered to ensure safety and peace in the sub-region.
President Buhari returned to Nigeria after the meeting.
