Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, received the new military head of state of Mali and his close lieutenants at his home.
The team was a four-man delegation of military officers that recently stated a Coup d’état in Mali to oust its civilian president, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta,
The group of revolutionary’s soldiers calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) led by its Chairman, Colonel Assimi Goïta were cordially received by Mr. Rawlings who is a successful coupist himself.
The Malians apparently made a visit to tap from the vast experience of Jerry Rawlings’ dictatorial days. In the meeting, he urged the new leadership in Mali to use the transition period to exhibit exceptional leadership for the country and usher her into a prosperous era
“The level of corruption that has become an integral part of multiparty democracy has created a general climate of stress and tension that may destabilize some areas in our region. It is unfortunate that the world is being forced into multiparty democracy with corruption and violence rather than other forms of democratic practices with none or minimal corruption. Unfortunately, the West appears to favour corruptible political tendencies in order to continue to dominate our security and economy,” the former President stated.
Former President Rawlings also encouraged the transitional unit to govern with humility and diligence and inspire citizens to fight and defy corruption and injustice.
Already, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chaired by the Ghanaians President Nana Akufo Addo is uncomfortable with the military takeover in Mali, ordering the military rulers to relinquish power as quickly as possible.
However, the military leadership which appears to be enjoying massive support from the people for outing the corrupt Keita have said, they will need at least 18 months to organise a rational transition for Mali.
The adventure in Mali has sent worrying signals through Africa, as more and more citizens, are protesting the bare-faced corruption being perpetrated by their elected civilian Presidents.