The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Friday, insisted on a shorter period of transition in Mali, declaring that there is no excuse for extending the return to democratic rule in the country.
The West African leaders, who met in Accra, Ghana, said that the only thing required is to ensure a free and fair election instead of a lengthy period of transition.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who represented the country at the summit, told the media that the ECOWAS Mediator in Mali and Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, presented his report to the leaders on the situation in Mali.
“His report was that we are at a point where the Malian authorities wanted a longer period, but obviously ECOWAS is insisting on a much shorter period for the transition.
“I’m sure when the communiqué is issued it will reflect the ECOWAS position, which is that there is no excuse for a lengthy transition.
“If all that is required is to ensure that there is free and fair election, there should be no real extended period of transition.
“So, the heads of state and government are firm that coups will not be tolerated in West Africa; that it is completely undemocratic.
“A few people cannot impose their will on the majority of the people of their country no matter what their motive may be.”
Right To Choose
Noting that the essence of democracy is that each person has the right to choose leadership, Prof. Osinbajo said that “A group of people cannot sit somewhere and wake one morning and takeover what should really be the right of every individual.”
He said that the outrage expressed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS and the people of West Africa was indicative of the fact the people have elected to continue with democracy in countries of the region.
“I think that the outrage has been well expressed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government and by the people of the ECOWAS Region that we are a democracy and we are not going to go back.
“This is the 21st Century; we can’t keep having adventurers and coupists doing what they please. It is no longer tenable,” Vice President Osinbajo added.
PIAK
