Former president Goodluck Jonathan has arrived Bamako in Mali, expressing optimism that the current crisis in the West African country would be resolved in no time.
Jonathan was appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Special Envoy to lead the sub-regional body’s mediation mission in Mali.
His appointment was communicated to him in a letter signed by the President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.
“Given your position as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the great role and contributions your tenure offered to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in our region, I have the honour, in consultation with the Chair of the Authority, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to communicate to you, the decision to appoint you as ECOWAS Special Envoy for the socio-political crisis in Mali,” the letter read.
The former president is to engage in consultations with all relevant stakeholders involved in the ongoing dispute in Mali to ensure that a common ground is found in the search for peace.
As a Special Envoy, Jonathan is expected to facilitate dialogue with all principal stakeholders in Mali, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition leaders, civil society as well as religious leaders among others.
Speaking shortly his arrival in Bamako, Jonathan said: “I arrived Bamako Wednesday evening with my delegation to begin my assignment as leader of ECOWAS peace mission to Mali.
“I’m optimistic that our mission will yield positive results.
“Our message of peace and progress has so far been well received by stakeholders.”
Idowu Sowunmi
