Mali: Sacked president rejects calls for reinstatement

Deposed Malian President, Ibrahim Boubakar Keita, has rejected calls to be reinstated to power following his forcible ejection from office last week. 

This was disclosed by ECOWAS Special Envoy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan yesterday while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the present state of affairs of the political crisis in Mali at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The former President also said the interim power holders, the military, intend to stay in power for three years before conducting any election.

“They call themselves National Committee for the Salvation of the People.

‘’We asked them to allow ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to return to his personal residence, where he would be given tight security, but they said he could travel abroad, and not return to answer questions they may have for him.

“We also told them that what would be acceptable to ECOWAS was an Interim Government, headed by a civilian or retired military officer, to last for six or nine months, and maximum of 12 calendar months. The Interim Government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order” Jonathan said.

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Dr. Jonathan disclosed that his team was allowed to meet with the ousted President who confirmed that he resigned voluntarily and was no longer interested in returning to his former position.

He said that the military wants ECOWAS to lift the sanctions placed against the country, which has begun to affect the country negatively “but we told them that the authority to do such was only in the hands of ECOWAS heads of state”.

In his reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting said the main focus in Mali at this point should be in the area of security, especially in view of the fact that the country has much presence of terrorist groups.

The President in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, said:

“About two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”

Later this week, there will be an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, scheduled for Friday.

The President hopes that all stakeholders and interested parties will align towards a common position in the interest of peace and progress for the Malian people.