While the misleading report alleges that President Barrow angered his Malian host by advising him to relinquish power for a peaceful transition to democratic civilian rule, President Barrow’s delegation never discussed transition as that was not their Mission to Mali. In fact, the military authorities in Mali had long assured ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community of their commitment to peaceful transition to democratic rule.
The high-powered delegation to Mali was tasked with negotiating an amicable resolution to the fate of some 49 detained Ivorian soldiers mistaken for mercenaries and the trip was a major success as three female officers have since been freed. It can be recalled that during the recently concluded UN General Assembly Meetings, member States of the ECOWAS Community convened an Extraordinary Summit on the margins of the UN Assembly, to specifically address the looming political situation in Guinea as well as the plight of the detained Ivorian soldiers in Mali.
In actuality, President Barrow’s Mission to Mali was in fulfilment of that extraordinary session’s determination to find a lasting solution to the circumstances surrounding those 49 detained Ivorian soldiers and had nothing absolutely, to do with the purported military to civilian transition timetable erroneously reported.
Crucially, President Barrow wishes to thank Colonel Assimi Goïta for the hospitality, finesse and general politeness with which he treated him and the entire delegation. Mr Barrow is specifically grateful to Colonel Goïta for his demonstrated kindness towards him, for his love for Gambia and Gambians. During his sessions with Mr Barrow, the Malian leader revealed he has family links with The Gambia and intends to visit Gambia soon.
Signed
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
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