ECOWAS envoys are having talks with Mali’s military to push for a speedy return to civilian rule after a coup in the troubled nation.
The delegation headed by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, arrived Mali Saturday and held its first talks for hours with soldiers who seized power on Tuesday, including new strongman Colonel Assimi Goita.
The envoys from the regional ECOWAS bloc also hope to meet ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is being detained by the junta at a military camp outside Bamako.
ECOWAS is calling for Keita to be reinstated, saying the purpose of the delegation’s visit is to help “ensure the immediate return of constitutional order”.
Jonathan said ECOWAS appreciates what is happening in Mali and wants the best for the country. He added that the delegation is going to discuss with all stakeholders and come out with something that is good for the country, good for ECOWAS and good for the international community.
Adding to the international pressure, the United States on Friday suspended military aid to Mali, with no further training or support of the Malian Armed Forces.
Tuesday’s coup was the second in 8 years and has heightened concern over regional stability as its extremist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
