President Muhammadu Bihari says West African leaders are poised to make a decision on the political instability triggered by the military coup in Mali by Friday.
The President said he expected that the decision taken at the extraordinary virtual summit by Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS’) Heads of State will be acceptable to the parties in the Mali crisis.
President Buhari stated this after receiving briefings from Special Envoy to Mali, former President Goodluck Jonathan.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as saying: “About two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”
He said the sub-region would take a common position on the issue when the leaders meet tomorrow, hoping that an amicable and generally acceptable position to all interested parties would be arrived at.
Dr. Jonathan urged the President to speed up dialogue with the military coup leaders, who are seeking to stay in power for three years, before holding elections.
He added that the military leaders want ECOWAS to lift the sanctions put in place, as it was already affecting the country.
