Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been sent as an ECOWAS special envoy to the Republic of Mali.
After receiving briefings from him, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the priority of ECOWAS in the Republic of Mali is to make the country secure.
A virtual summit of leaders and heads of state in ECOWAS member countries has been slated for Friday.
Speaking about the country and the terrorists who have invaded it, Dr Jonathan says, “They call themselves the 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 a maximum of 12 calendar months. The Interim Government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order.”
Dr Jonathan explained that he was allowed to meet with the ousted president who confirmed that he was not interested in returning to his former position and that he had resigned voluntarily. He also said that the military coup leaders want to stay in power for three years before they hold an election.
