Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhmmadu Buhari yesterday stressed the need to make the security of Republic of Mali a priority, considering the fact that about two-thirds of the country is occupied by terrorists.

He stated this when he received briefings from Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Special Envoy to the West African country, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting came ahead of an extraordinary virtual summit by ECOWAS heads of state and leaders, scheduled for Friday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said “about two-thirds of Mali is occupied by terrorists, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”

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According to him,  the sub-region would take a common position on the issue when the leaders meet on Friday, hoping that an amicable and generally acceptable position to all interested parties would be arrived at.

Jonathan briefed on the dialogue with the military coup leaders, who are seeking to stay in power for three years, before holding elections.

“They call themselves National Committee for the Salvation of the People. We asked them to allow ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to return to his personal residence, where he would be given tight security, but they said he could travel abroad, and not return to answer questions they may have for him,” Jonathan said.

“We also told them that what would be acceptable to ECOWAS was an Interim Government, headed by a civilian or retired military officer, to last for six or nine months, and maximum of 12 calendar months. The Interim Government would then organize elections to restore full constitutional order,” he sai.