Africa
By Anayo Ezugwu
THE Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has expressed concern over the rising socio-political crisis in Mali. They said the crisis may increase instability in Mali and the sub-region.
In a communiqué signed by President Mahamadou Issoufou of Republic of Niger and chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, the Heads of State and Government called on all stakeholders in Mali to refrain from violence and employ dialogue in resolving the disputes. They also appealed to the stakeholders to observe the truce on demonstrations so as to create an enabling environment that will encourage dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The Heads of State and Government stressed that any threat to peace, security and stability on individual member state is a threat to the community as a whole. They also insisted on the importance of dialogue and need to respect the institutions of the country, and especially abide by the constitutional means of ascending to power in conformity with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
To restore peace in the country, the ECOWAS authority asked all political parties to endeavour to obtain the immediate resignation of all the 31 members of Parliament, whose elections are contested. They noted that the resignations will pave the way for by-elections. “Pending the by-elections, the National Assembly will operate with the remaining 166 members.
“We also want all relevant institutions to facilitate their immediate re-composition in accordance with the legal provisions in force in Mali. The National Assembly, for its part, will appoint representatives after the resignation of the 31 members, whose elections are contested and installation in the bureau. In the event of difficulties with the resignation of parliamentarians or appointment of members to the Constitutional Court by the various bodies, the President of the Republic will invoke Article 50 of the Constitution.
“We recommend that a National Unity Government, led by Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, will be quickly established in line with the recommendations of the mediator. Fifty percent of members are to come from the ruling coalition, 30 percent from the opposition, and 20 percent from civil society. Given the numerous challenges facing the country, some members of the government should be nominated before the National Unity Government is formed. This concerns the ministries responsible for defence, justice, foreign affairs, national security and finance,” it said.
The communiqué encourages the opposition, especially the M5-RPP to participate in the National Unity Government. It stated that the main task of the National Unity Government will be to deal with the consequences of the demonstrations, and to implement all reforms and recommendations issued from the National Dialogue and to improve governance.
The Heads of State and Government also reiterated their solidarity with Soumaila Cisse, leader of the opposition, who was abducted since March 25. They urged government authorities to ensure his release from detention. They also appealed to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the United Nations Security Council to endorse its recommendations.
– Jul. 29, 2020 @ 13:59 GMT |
Tags: ECOWAS Heads of State call for Unity National Government in Mali
