Despite the suspension of Mali from the activities of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to the military coup in that country, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to assist Mali in every way possible within the ambits of the ECOWAS.
Receiving the special envoy from Mali’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, who briefed President Buhari on Conclusions from the National Conference on State-Rebuilding, held in Bamako, December 27-30, 2021, Buhari promised that would do her level best for the sister country, within the requirements of ECOWAS.
A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Thursday in Abuja said that President stated that nobody could love Mali more than Malians themselves, counselling that everyone should work within the tenets of ECOWAS, in order to restore constitutional order to the West African country at the shortest possible time.
“I am pleased you have briefed the ECOWAS Chairman too,’’ said President Buhari. “Nigeria will work within ECOWAS limitations to assist Mali. Every country has its issues. We fought our own Civil War before, so we may not know the totality of the internal politics of each country. But we will make as much sacrifice as we can for Mali, within ECOWAS requirements,” the statement quoted President Buhari as saying
It added that the special Malian envoy expressed gratitude to Nigeria for her support to his country in terms of bilateral relations, and for the help rendered to the ECOWAS Mediation Team, led by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Malian Minister, according to the statement, assured that the vision of Col. Goita was speedy return to democracy and that Mali wants to review laws guiding elections, “and professionalize the process”.
GIK/APA