Togo's president agrees to mediate Mali crisis

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé welcomed Wednesday Mali’s request of mediation.

" The president and his government are ready to facilitate a fruitful dialogue between Mali, and the International Community ", Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey confirmed.

Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s Foreign minister, conveyed President Colonel Assimi Goïta's request during a two-day visit to Lome.

The Malian authorities ask for help after failing to convince regional partners to welcome their 2-year transition proposal. Despite multiple trips to Bamako by Ecowas Mali crisis mediator, Goodluck Jonathan, the two parties didn't find a common ground.

Ecowas demanded the holding of elections within a 12 to 16 months period but Malian authorities have so far refused  -despite pressure and sanctions- citing security concerns.

The regional body has yet to comment the Mali-Togo mediation proposal.

Malian troops have been fighting a jihadist insurgency in large portions of the territory. In 2013, they were joined by European troops but the insurgency was never fully quelled and it extended in neighboring countries.