Former President Jonathan named ECOWAS special envoy for troubled Mali

Jonathan to lead peace efforts in Mali

Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed by the authorities of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to serve as a special envoy to the West African nation of Mali.

Jonathan will aid in resolving the worsening socio-political crisis in the poor West African nation.

Jonathan’s appointment was announced on Tuesday, July 14, by the ECOWAS.

“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,” read the letter of the appointment signed by the president of ECOWAS’ commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.

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Part of the ex-Nigerian leader’s duty will involve orchestrating dialogue by convening series of talks with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, members of the opposition, civil society groups and religious bodies.

Recall that Mali has been engulfed in political unrest following the outcome of March/April Presidential elections. Concerns over the worsening economy and insurgency have also aggravated the crisis.