The ECOWAS mediator in the socio-political crisis in Mali, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is demanding the immediate release of Mali's interim president Bah Ndaw and other members of the transition government being detained by the military.

A communiqué issued at the end of a mission to Bamako, Mali, from 25th to 26th May, 2021 indicated that the mediator held consultations with Colonel Assimi Goita, Vice-President of the transition government on the situation at hand and to consider the most appropriate political exit strategy to the crisis.

“The mediator demanded and, indeed, met with the President of the transition and the prime minister to ascertain their current health condition. The mediator further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the president of the transition and the prime minister,” the statement said.

Other members of the delegation included Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission and General Francis a. Behanzin, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Mr El Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Mali, Head of the Multidimensional Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Mr Fulgence Zeneth, the Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), also participated in the Mission.

The communiqué further explained that “at the meeting with the president of the transition, the mediator took note of the desire of the president of the transition and the prime minister to resign from their positions”.

However, the mediator will present a report to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads State and Government for further decision to be taken on the situation in Mali.

Below is the full document:

COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE ECOWAS MEDIATOR’S MISSION TO MALI BAMAKO, 25TH TO 26TH MAY, 2021

1.      In conformity with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and in response to the sudden turn of events in the Transition Process in Mali, I joined H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the ECOWAS Mediator in the Socio-political Crisis in Mali, on a Mission to Bamako, Mali from 25th to 26th May, 2021.

2. The purpose of the Mission was to take ascertain the facts that led to the sudden turn of event and hold consultations with all the stakeholders to maintain the peace and stability that are key to the conduct of a successful transition process.

3. Other members of the delegation included, H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission and General Francis a. Behanzin, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

4. Mr. El Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Mali, Head of the Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and Mr. Fulgence Zeneth, the Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), also participated in the Mission.

5. The ECOWAS Mediator held consultations with Colonel Assimi GOITA, Vice President of the Transition Government on the situation at hand and to consider the most appropriate political exit strategy to the crisis. The Mediator demanded and indeed meet with the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister to ascertain their current health condition. The Mediator further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister.

7. At the meeting with the President of the Transition, the Mediator took note of the desire of the President of the Transition and the Prime Minister to resign from their positions.

8. The Mediator will present a report to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads State and Government for further decision to be taken on the situation in Mali.

9. The Mediator will continue to remain seized of the situation in Mali through the Local Monitoring Committee.

Done at Bamako, this 26th May, 2021

The Mediator

H.E. DR. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN