President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to bring finality to the current political upheaval in Mali.
Addressing a 13-member consultative meeting, convened in his capacity as Chairman of the regional body at the Peduasi Lodge in Aburi, Mr. Akufo-Addo scored the need to return Mali to its peaceful, democratic state.
“My reason for this meeting is simple: we need to bring finality to our deliberations of Mali because that country can longer afford any delay in putting a responsible government in place following the events of 18th August when our colleague His Excellency Ibrahim Abubakar Keita was an object of a coup in his country,” he said.
He was hopeful that the face-to-face meeting between the representatives of the ECOWAS Community and the military leaders in Bamako is the best opportunity to find a resolution to the situation.
He said terrorists were taking advantage of the situation in Mali to flex their muscles even more and thanked the military leader for responding positively to his invitation to the meeting.
“The circumstances of life in Mali require that that closure be brought to the matter now and it is my belief that the face to face meeting between us representing the ECOWAS community and the military leaders in Bamako affords us with the best opportunity to find a firm resolution.
“Fortunately, the military leaders have also responded positively to my invitation and are here to meet with us,” he stated.
Mali’s Political Crisis
Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been ousted through a military coup d’etat.
His reelection in 2018 was marred by low turnout and allegations of fraud further ignited deep resentment for his government.
He has also been accused of mismanaging the economy and the ongoing insurgency in the north coupled with allegations of corruption.
Since June 2020, numerous protests have been staged for Keita’s resignation, leading to elements of the Malian Armed Forces staging a coup on August 18, 2020, forcing the 75-year-old leader to resign and dissolve his government, with the Junta promising new elections within a reasonable timeline.
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Story by: Kwesi Ewusie Nunoo | universnewsroom.com
