Nana Addo praises three West African leaders over Mali
NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, has praised three West African leaders for their various roles in resolving the recent political crisis in Mali.
They are Braise Campore, Goodluck Jonathan and Allassane Ouattara, Presidents of Burkina Faso, Nigerian and Cote'd Ivoire respectively.
A letter sent to the trio described as “most encouraging” the swift and principled intervention by ECOWAS leaders to restore the constitutional order in Mali, adding that what the regional body had done had been “met with worldwide endorsement.”
“Furthermore, it has reinforced our conviction that a united and purposeful ECOWAS is fully capable of meeting the aspirations of its citizens. This huge momentum and groundswell of support for ECOWAS must be seized upon in furtherance of our shared agenda for peace, democracy and development,” the letter to the Burkinaba president stressed.
In his letter to the Nigerian leader, the NPP presidential candidate stated: “I, along with millions across the globe, have been greatly encouraged by the refusal of ECOWAS to accommodate any usurpation of power through the use of force. Anything less would have severely dented the credibility and richly-deserved prestige of ECOWAS.”
He added: “Those who lived through the era when constitutional rule was an exception rather than the norm in most parts of our region, very well appreciate the fact that our people continue to pay dearly for the instability that has persisted in our region for so long.”
In his letter to the Ivorian leader, Nana Akufo-Addo recalled: “... not too long ago, constitutional rule was an exception rather than the norm in most parts of our region. We have since learned that political instability is anathema to progress, and I believe our peoples have already paid dearly for this aberration in our politics. That sad chapter of our history must, therefore, remain closed for the sake of present and future generations.”
Nana Addo also urged ECOWAS to remain steadfast in its resolve “to resist any attempts to roll back our hard-earned democratic achievements.”
He added that it was gratifying to witness the rapid progress being made towards restoring civilian rule in Mali, largely as a result of the agreement brokered by ECOWAS.
Nana Addo gave the assurance that NPP would always remain committed to the preservation of constitutional rule in all ECOWAS member states, adding: “We trust that the leadership of ECOWAS will not relent in resisting any attempt to roll back the hard-earned democratic achievements of our region. I urge all peace-loving and democratic forces to rally behind your noble endeavours.”
He further stated: “The New Patriotic Party believes that the leadership of our region is on the right track,” adding: “We see as our natural allies all who are dedicated to the advancement of peace and democracy in West Africa.”