Mali now has a largely civilian face govt, says ex-President Jonathan

The Special Envoy/Mediator to the West African country, former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday said the mission given him by the leaders of the regional body was almost fully done as a government with a largely civilian face has been inaugurated in the Republic of Mali.

Dr Jonathan said this while giving updates on the Mali situation to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“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,” he said.

Dr Jonathan added that the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, would formally brief West African leaders soon.

In his remarks, President Buhari voiced delight that the Mali situation had calmed down considerably, following interventions by ECOWAS leaders.

“We can’t do hop, step and jump like other developed nations of the world, but one is delighted at the successes recorded,” the President said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.
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.