Panafrican News Agency

ECOWAS mediator in Malian crisis seeks intervention of influential religious leader

Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The mediator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the Malian crisis, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, is appealing to an influential religious leader to intervene to end the stalemate. 

Dr. Jonathan has paid a brief visit to Nioro, in the Sahel, some 450 km west of Bamako, to request the intervention of Chérif Bouillé Haidara with leaders of the June 5 Movement-Patriotic Forces Rally (M5-RFP), who have led the protest since June demanding the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita.

In a statement at the end of his meeting with the religious guide, the former President said he recognised "the value and greatness" of Cherif Bouillé adding that he represented "a moral force and is an essential person in the resolution of a crisis like the one in Mali".

The ECOWAS mediator said that in his search for solutions to the socio-political crisis in Mali, he urged Cherif Bouillé to get involved with both parties to initiate negotiations for a definitive end to the crisis.

Bouillé, son of the holy Malian man, praised and thanked the ECOWAS mediator saying that he had heard and understood him.

Cherif Bouillé is close to the influential Imam Mahmoud Dicko, former president of the High Islamic Council of Mali (HCIM) and moral authority of the protests against President Kéita.

The protesters want President Kéita to resign for "bad governance" and "mismanagement" of the multifaceted crisis that Mali has been experiencing for years.

ECOWAS mediator arrived on Monday in Bamako, as part of the follow-up of the implementation of the recommendations of the 27 July virtual Extraordinary Summit of the heads of state of the sub-regional organization.

-0- PANA GT/JSG/BBA/MA 13Aug2020