Mali Coup Not Safe For West Africa, Says Buhari

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, has joined ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, imploying the military junta in Mali to set an acceptable time table for the country’s return to democracy.

The president, in virtual and third Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS on the socio-political crisis in Mali, said that Mali as a geo-political entity could not afford to stand alone in the sub-region.

Buhari said that the briefings by the Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan, clearly showed that the regional body’s engagements with Mali’s new military leadership had yet to achieve the desired results in several key areas.

“I am, however, personally happy to hear of the release from detention of the former President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is reported to be in good condition.

”The disposition of the new leadership to free the remaining senior officials is noted, as this should contribute to the renewed sense of belonging to the Malian people.

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“With regards to other areas being negotiated, Nigeria believes that the people of Mali and the military leaders need to appreciate the fragility of their country and the imminent danger which it poses to the citizens as well as the ECOWAS sub-region,” he said.

He added that the military leadership should be flexible in negotiations, by putting the interest of all Malians and the harmony of the sub-region into consideration.

“For the people of Mali, specifically the leadership, embracing democracy and good governance is crucial to the country’s political stability.

”Mali cannot, therefore, afford to stand alone, hence the need to come to terms with the realities of an acceptable and workable transition compact that inspires the confidence of all Malians,” he said.

Buhari urged the military leadership to consider the immediate release of all the remaining senior government officials in detention without pre-conditions.