AU, UN demand unconditional release of Mali’s President and PM

President of the African Union, Félix Tshisekedi, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mali’s President Bah N’daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.
In a statement, the AU said it was “dismayed to learn of the arrest in Mali of the President of the Transition, and his Prime Minister, by the military.”
It added that it firmly “condemns” any action aimed at destabilizing Mali.
Tshisekedi further called on all actors in the Malian political transition to restraint as well as to respect the Constitution.
“The current President of the AU considers that everything must be done to preserve the stability of Mali and consolidate peace in the sub-region.” Read the statement in part.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his concerns over the detention of civilian leaders of the Malian transition.
“I call for calm and their unconditional release. My Special Representative is working closely with ECOWAS, the AU & all other international actors supporting the ongoing political transition.” Guterres said.
Malian officers upset with a government reshuffle on Monday detained the President and Prime Minister at an army camp outside the capital.

Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke