Chairperson of the African Union (AU), South African leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the forced resignation of the Malian government by the country’s military.
In a statement issued by the AU on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa demanded the release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and his government from military detention. The statement read:
Chair of the African Union, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has learnt with concern of developments in the Republic of Mali which have led to the forced resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
His Excellency President Ramaphosa condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Mali.
President Ramaphosa demands that the Malian military release from detention the President, the Prime Minister, Ministers and other Government executives.
H.E. President Ramaphosa calls for an immediate return to civilian rule and for the military to return to their barracks.
H.E. President Ramaphosa urged the people of Mali, political parties and civil society, to observe the rule of law and engage in peaceful dialogue in order to resolve their challenges.
H.E. President Ramaphosa further urged African leaders and the entire international community to denounce and reject the military-led unconstitutional change of government and to assist the people of Mali to return to civilian and democratic rule.