Jonathan urges Malians to stop demonstrations, embrace dialogue
Mr Jonathan, who is
the ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali, had earlier visited Mali twice in the last
one month.
This time, he is
undertaking a monitoring and follow up mission to engage stakeholders on the
implementation of the roadmap decided by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State
and Government which detailed measures to end the protracted political crisis
and restore peace in the country.
He urged Malians,
especially members of the opposition, to stop further demonstrations to enable
ongoing discussions to bear more fruits, a statement from office said Tuesday.
On Monday he
observed the inauguration of the nation’s reconstituted nine-member
constitutional court in Bamako which is described as a key recommendation by
ECOWAS leaders as a means of moving the country forward. Another recommendation
which has been implemented was the appointment of ministers of six key
ministries to partially constitute the cabinet.
Mr Jonathan’s
presence as a guest during the swearing-in ceremony of the nine constitutional
court judges is seen as a strong indication that ECOWAS is deeply engaged in
resolving Mali’s political crisis.
Mr Jonathan, who has
been leading the ECOWAS mediation mission to Mali, also on Monday night met
with some civil society members shortly after he visited populist imam Mahmoud
Dicko, who is seen to have links to those behind anti-government protests, in
his house in Bamako. The former President is scheduled to continue his
consultations on Tuesday by meeting different stakeholders and members of the
international community.
At a press
conference in Bamako last night, Mr Jonathan appealed to the Malian opposition
to stop further demonstrations and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving
pending issues.
He said: “We are
happy that progress is being made. Today some judges of the supreme court were
appointed today. The constitutional court was also inaugurated today. At least,
the judicial arm is now complete.
“We know some issues
are still pending that are yet to be concluded. We know that before people go
on demonstrations, there must be some challenges. These have to be resolved. On
behalf of ECOWAS we appeal to the people of Mali to stop further demonstrations
and embrace dialogue.
The former President
said further: “Those who organised the demonstration have done well to make the
whole world know about their issues. The whole of the ECOWAS region is now
aware of the issues in Mali just as the African Union, the European Union, the
United States are all aware of the situation here. We recognise that the right
to embark on peaceful protests is in the constitution of Mali. In that regard,
those behind the protests have succeeded in bringing these issues to the knowledge
of all.
“This is now the
time to stop further demonstrations and give room for dialogue. Demonstrations
per se, does not solve problems. It is discussion and peaceful engagement that
solve problems. Now that demonstrations have brought out these issues, let us
then sit down and discuss to find ways of resolving them.
“Encouraging more
demonstrations may expose the young ones to more danger. More property and
lives may be lost. You can start a demonstration but you can hardly predict how
it will end. On behalf of ECOWAS we call on the great people of Mali to give
peace a chance. The issue of demonstrations should be discontinued so that
fruitful discussions can begin. Our commitment is to continue to meet with all
the stakeholders until the problem is solved.”
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