Credit: facebook /   ECOWAS has named Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Eble Jonathan as Special Envoy to  Mali 

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Former Nigeria President  Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan  has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, as a special envoy to lead the sub-regional body’s mediation mission in Mali. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, yesterday, the sub-regional body disclosed that Jonathan’s appointment was aimed at resolving the worsening socio-political situation in Mali. As a special envoy, the former President would facilitate dialogue with major stakeholders in Mali, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition leaders, civil society and religious organisations towards resolving the socio-political crisis in the country, The Guardian reported.  In a document signed by directors of about 100 CSOs in the region and addressed to Issoufou Mahamadou, who is Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, it said the growing political tension in Mali, arising from the May 2020 legislative elections should be urgently addressed, according to The Guardian.

At least 11 people have been killed and more than 150 injured during protests in Mali’s capital Bamako

The West African nation has been hit by protests, sparked by the outcome of parliamentary elections in March and April, perceived discontent over the government’s handling of Mali’s jihadist insurgency and worsening economic situation. The latest round of anti-government protests began on Friday, led by M5-RFP (July 5 Movement-Rally of Patriotic Forces), a coalition of opposition politicians, religious leaders and activists calling for civil disobedience.  Demonstrations have taken place on and off in the capital since June, with many calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.  At least 11 people have been killed and more than 150 injured during  protests in the Mali capital city Bamako. 

Actualité du Premier Ministre |#ARRIVEE DE LA MISSION DE BONS OFFICES DE LA CEDEAO AU MALI

Le Premier ministre, Dr Boubou Cissé a accueilli cet après-midi, au p la délégation de la CEDEAO suite⤵️https://t.co/UdoReVXSbJ@ecowas_cedeao pic.twitter.com/BNzTpds21F

— Gouvernement du MALI (@GouvernementM) July 15, 2020

Une mission de la CEDEAO, conduite par l’ancien président du Nigeria Jonathan Goodluck et composée de présidents de Cours constitutionnelles,  ce mercredi au Mali.

 “Given your position as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the great role and contributions your tenure offered to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in our region, I have the honour, in consultation with the Chair of the Authority, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to communicate to you, the decision to appoint you as ECOWAS Special Envoy for the sociopolitical crisis in Mali.”

 -Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission letter to Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Dr. Jonathan served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.