West African mediators told Mali’s military coup leaders the region would accept a transitional government led by a civilian or a retired army officer for a maximum of 12 months, Nigeria’s presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
“The Interim Government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order,” ECOWAS Special Envoy former President Goodluck Jonathan said at a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jonathan returned this week from talks with the military officers that led the Aug. 18 coup in Bamako.
President Muhammadu Buhari said the priority in Republic of Mali now should be securing the country, which is largely occupied by terrorists.
The meeting came ahead of an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, scheduled for Friday.
President Buhari stressed: “About two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”
He said the sub-region would take a common position on the issue when the leaders meet on Friday, hoping that an amicable and generally acceptable position to all interested parties would be arrived at.
Dr Jonathan disclosed that his team was allowed to meet with the ousted President, who confirmed that he resigned voluntarily, adding that he was no longer interested in returning to his former position.
