Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS are in a crunch meeting to resolve the political crisis in Mali.
A military intervention led to the overthrow of President, Ibrahim Bubakar Keita.
The military government that has taken over has pushed through a Political Charter to establish a transitional government, that will last for 18 months.
Per the charter, a Soldier could be appointed as leader of the Interim Government. However, these have been rejected by the Coalition that led Anti-Government protests before the coup.
The turn of events has heightened the political crisis in Mali, with fears that it may escalate into a full-blown conflict.
Although Mali has been suspended from the Regional Body, ECOWAS, President Akufo-Addo believes the meeting today will help return Mali to constitutional rule within 12 months.
The Peduase meeting being attended by eight countries including leaders of the Coup is being mediated by former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbe, Markey Sal of Senegal, Markabore of Burkina Faso, Professor Yemi Ossinbajo of Nigeria, Mahamdou Issofou of Niger, Professor Alpha Condi and Alhassan Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire are present.
The meeting is also being attended by the leader of the National Committee of the Salvation of the People, Col Assimi Goita, leader of the Junta.
Chairman of ECOWAS President Akufo-Addo at the opening of the consultative meeting to resolve the crisis, insisted on the need to return Mali to democratic rule immediately.
President Akufo-Addo said there cannot be any more delay in bringing finality to the issue. He was hopeful a deal will be struck after today’s meeting.
President Akufo-Addo thanked the coup leaders for allowing the deposed leader to seek medical attention abroad. The leaders are in a closed-door meeting after which a communiqué is expected to be released.
By: Bright Ntramah.
