President Muhammadu Buhari has backed the call by ECOWAS leaders for the Military leaders in Mali to hand over power to civilian government within 12 months of all inclusive transition programme.
Buhari said this during Heads of State and Governments virtual third Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS on the socio-political crisis in Mali.
ECOWAS leaders on Friday held the summit to deliberate on Mali’s future following last week’s ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted him as saying: “I am, however, personally happy to hear of the release from detention of the former President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is reported to be in good condition. The disposition of the new leadership to free the remaining senior officials is noted as this should contribute to the renewed sense of belonging to the Malian people.
“With regards to other areas being negotiated, Nigeria believes that the people of Mali and the military leaders need to appreciate the fragility of their country and the imminent danger which it poses to the citizens of Mali as well as the ECOWAS sub-region.”
It was agreed that the country’s transitional government must be led by civilian and last no longer than 12 months, according to Nigeria’s presidency.
Buhari said, “For the people of Mali, specifically the leadership, embracing Democracy and Good Governance is crucial to the country’s political stability. Mali cannot, therefore, afford to stand alone, hence the need to come to terms with the realities of an acceptable and workable transition compact that inspires the confidence of all Malians.
“Meanwhile, I urge the military leadership to consider: the immediate release of all the remaining senior Government officials in detention, without pre-conditions; a transition process, to be completed in not more than 12 months, and which shall include the representatives of Malian stakeholders.
“This is a critical consideration for the new government to enjoy the cooperation and collaboration of regional and international community, and to allow the easing of sanctions imposed on Mali.’’
He however commended the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Mahamadou Issoufou of the Niger Republic for convening the Extraordinary Summit.
Malian military was also encouraged to focus on securing the country, faced with severe security threats from its northern part, instead of an incursion into governance.
