Malian Government support ECOWAS Parliament moves for peace, reconciliation
By Punarimam Fehintola
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been appreciated in its efforts in supporting the Government of the Republic of Mali as it proceeds to develop framework of its mission for effective resolution of the security crisis in the country.
The mission of the Delegation of the Parliament to Mali is aimed at gathering necessary information concerning the plight of the internally displaced in Mopti and Bamako and updat its information on the situation and particularly determine whether the rights of the affected people to healthcare, shelter, food and education are being respected.
The President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who received the Delegation of parliamentarians led by Speaker Moustapha Cisse Lo, at the Presidential Palace, Bamako, encouraged the ECOWAS Parliament in their efforts to support the Government of Mali on the matter at hand.
He also expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the ECOWAS Parliament in the IDP camps visited.
Speaker Cisse Lo, during close door talks with Malian dignitaries, promised the Malian President of the commitment of ECOWAS to get more involved and proffer solutions as it meets with stakeholders and approach international organizations for support.
“This is the first step in efforts to actualize the vision for the reintegration for the Malian subregions of Bamako and Mopti which are going through tough times due to actions that have led to the loss of several lives.
“We decided to come to Mali following the regrettable events that took place in the country.
”While several have been killed, there are many injured and displaced in particularly in Mopti, which is why the delegation has been sent to asses the situation with the people and share with stakeholders ways and means to come up with a solution.
“This is why we have come, met the President and Prime Minister after our visit to the affected areas with IDPs to see how we can reach the regional authorities and all parties involved in this process.
”Players in the process may also include Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Civil Society, ECOWAS and others”, the speaker said after the closed door talks.
The Delegation promised that upon return to the Abuja Headquarters of the Parliament, a plan for the Malian situation would be adopted into the agenda of the community legislative and the Parliamentary will thereafter return to work on their experience as enquired on the ground visits.
The Delegation had earlier visited the Prime Minister, also in the country’s capital.
The Prime Minister, Boubou Cisse, who had only recently assumed the position, had on his part proceeded to implement certain policies to help crystallize a forward action on the peace and reconciliation efforts through critical apparatuses of the government including the Ministry of Health and Wellfare, headed by, Michel Sidibe.
The Health Minister, during the visit of the delegation to Mopti on Wednesday expressed hope that the efforts of the government to bring peace to the region would be successful amid the challenges in reconciliation actions and efforts to alleviate the situation of the over 50,000 internally displaced in the Mopti and Bamako.
