President Muhammadu Buhari declared that nobody could love Mali more than Malians themselves, and counselled on the need for everyone to work within the tenets of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore constitutional order to the landlocked nation. Mali's interim authorities have proposed to its West African neighbours that a transition back to democracy be extended by five years, 18 months after Colonel Assimi Goita championed the overthrow of President Boubacar Ibrahim Keita. Nigeria will work within ECOWAS limitations to assist Mali, and the Special Envoy expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its support to his country in terms of bilateral relations and for the help rendered to the ECOWAS Mediation Team.