Mali: Jonathan briefs Buhari, says junta wants ECOWAS sanctions lifted

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received briefings from ECOWAS Special Envoy to the crisis-ridden Republic of Mali, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting came ahead of an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, scheduled for Friday.

• ECOWAS wants interim govt in Mali
• Mali suspended from international Francophone community over coup

Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the priority in Mali now should be securing the country, which is largely occupied by terrorists.

“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. He said the ECOWAS 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.

Jonathan briefed Buhari on dialogue with the military coup leaders seeking to stay in power for three years before holding elections.

“They call themselves National Committee for the Salvation of the People. We asked them to allow ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to return to his personal residence where he would be given tight security, but they said he could travel abroad, and not return to answer questions they may have for him.

“We also told them that what would be acceptable to ECOWAS was an interim government, headed by a civilian or retired military officer, to last for six or nine months, and maximum of 12 calendar months. The interim government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order,” Jonathan said.

He said 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.

Jonathan said the military leaders wanted ECOWAS to lift sanctions put in place, as it was already affecting the country, “but we told them that the authority to do such was only in the hands of ECOWAS heads of state.”