A delegation of the military junta in Mali on Tuesday visited Nigeria to solicit the support of the federal government, but the government affirmed its resolution, opposing the military take-over.
The spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ode Ogbole Amedu told journalists that constructive negotiations are on for the exit of the military junta based on the doctrine of necessity which involves the bypass of certain constitutional procedures due to the current trend and the need for quick action.
According to the spokesperson, the Minister of Foreign affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru has made it very clear that Nigeria is opposed to the military takeover and has no intention of granting recognition to the military junta in Mali.
He also noted that President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated further consultations with ECOWAS leadership especially the current chair, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire including some of the principal actors in Mali.
Mr. Ode said from the meeting there are indications that constitutional order would soon be restored in Mali.
A delegation from Mali’s military junta held a closed-door meeting with the Minister of foreign affairs in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital
The head of the delegation, Colonel Blonkoro Samake, said they were in the country to give a brief on the current situation in Mali.
He confirmed that the Tuareg rebels have indeed taken over the northern part of Mali and spoke of the need for heightened security in the region
