Mali: Jonathan Visits Buhari Again, Gives Update

President Muhammadu Buhari again on Thursday received further briefing from his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, on the political situation in Mali at the State House, Abuja.

Jonathan is the ECOWAS Special Envoy/Mediator to the small West African country.

Buhari was happy that the Malian situation had calmed down considerably, following interventions by leaders of ECOWAS.

The stated, “We can’t do hop, step and jump like other developed nations of the world, but one is delighted at the successes recorded.”

The Presidency recalled that after the intervention by the military in Mali, ECOWAS had insisted on a transition government led by a civilian, and return to Constitutional order within 12-18 months, among others.

Briefing Buhari on the latest developments, Jonathan said the assignment given to him by ECOWAS leaders was almost fully done, noting that a government with a largely civilian face had been inaugurated in Mali.

The former President said, “The President has been sworn in, the Prime Minister, and Ministers too. The military has only four portfolios for serving officers, and the government has taken off. The Council, which will work like parliamentarians, will be inaugurated soon.”

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, wrote that the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, would formally brief West African leaders soon on the latest milestones in Mali.