The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), again on Thursday received updates on the situation in Mali from his predecessor and Special Envoy/Mediator to the West African country, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President expressed delight that the Mali situation had calmed down considerably, following interventions by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States.

The statement was titled “President Buhari delighted at successes recorded by ECOWAS in Mali.”

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Adesina quoted the President as saying that “We can’t do hop, step and jump like other developed nations of the world, but one is delighted at the successes recorded.”

He also quoted Jonathan as telling Buhari that the mission given him by ECOWAS leaders was almost fully done, as a government with a largely civilian face has been inaugurated.

“The President has been sworn in, the Prime Minister, and ministers too. The military has only four portfolios for serving officers, and the government has taken off.

“The council, which will work like parliamentarians, will be inaugurated soon,” Jonathan reportedly told the President.

He added that the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana would formally brief West African leaders soon.

After the intervention by the military in Mali, ECOWAS had insisted on a transition government led by a civilian, and return to constitutional order within 12-18 months, among others.