Mali situation hinders hope of peaceful transition — ECOWAS

Chairman, Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Sunday said the recent happenings in Mali had again raised anxiety levels in the sub-region and shaken the hope of a peaceful and successful transition.

Akufo-Addo said this in Accra, Ghana, in his opening remarks during an emergency Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS convened to discuss recent political developments in Mali.

At the meeting attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Akufo-Addo restated the continued commitment of the regional body to the peaceful transition in Mali, with the basic goal of restoring democratic government, and working for the stability of Mali and of our region.

He thanked Heads of State for making the journey to Accra again at short notice for a matter that could have grave consequences for the peace and stability of the region.

Akufo-Addo, who urged them to remain resolute in supporting the people of Mali to find a peaceful solution, and restore democracy and stability in the country.

He said: “We must critically examine the dynamics of the current situation and make informed decisions.”

“The recent happenings in Mali have, again, raised anxiety levels in the Region, and have, somewhat, shaken the hope many had of a peaceful, successful transition, which will result in the return to a democratic government in Mali, and, ultimately, and hopefully, the political stability of the country.”

The ECOWAS chairman spoke on the efforts made so far on the Mali political crisis before the current situation.

A communique is expected at the end of the summit.