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President Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday conferred with Mali’s highest award - Grand Croix de l’Ordre National du Mali (or Great Cross of the National Order of Mali), for his role in resolving the crisis in the country.
Receiving the award at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Jonathan said the restoration of peace to the once war-torn Mali was an indication that Nigeria’s substantial, financial, military and material contributions, including the supreme sacrifice paid by two Nigerian Airforce pilots, have not been in vain.
“The cost, not withstanding, and in the spirit of African solidarity I assure you that Nigeria remains steadfastly committed to supporting the course of peace in Mali,” he added.
Jonathan also said Nigeria’s commitment to the cause of peace keeping was based on the conviction that Africa can experience sustained growth if divisive tendencies that strifle development and weaken political structures were overcomed.
The president said, “I have no doubt whatsoever that a politically stable Africa will be a strong and prosperous Africa. As political leaders we owe it to our collective posterity to ensure that we bequeath to them that which will enable them maximize their creative potential favourably in the 21st century world”.
While expressing joy at the successfully concluded presidential election in Mali, President Jonathan said African leaders must entrench and play by “hallowed democratic values”, even as he congratulated President-elect Ibrahim Keita just as he commended his opponent Mr Sumalia Cisse, for losing gallantly and peacefully.
He also thanked President Traore for the honour which he said symbolized evident acknowledgement and appreciation of Nigeria’s commitment and sacrifice to ensure peace and stability in Mali.
Earlier, the interim President of Mali, Prof. Diongunda Traore, before conferring President Jonathan with the award, lauded him for his engagement since the beginning of the security crisis in January 2012 and for its nine-month duration.
He said, “We know how much your country suffers also from terrorism. We know how much Nigeria has needs of its troops, of her soldiers and all the soldiers at her disposal to ensure internal security against forces of evil, who have continued to attack innocent citizens.
“However, inspite of this internal need and pressure, your country has not hesitated to put at the disposal of Mali her soldiers and her logistics.”
