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US threatens sanctions after arrest of rulers in Mali | The World | DW

The United States is considering sanctioning Malian politicians and military personnel who endangered the return to democracy with the arrest of the president and the prime minister, the State Department reported this Wednesday (05.26.2021).

Acting President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane resigned on Wednesday after being stripped of their powers. Both were detained Monday at a military base in what appears to be the second coup in nine months.

The United States “will consider measures against political and military leaders that impede a civil transition to democratic governance,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price.

“We support the people of Mali in their aspirations to achieve democracy, peace, development and respect for human rights,” he added.

The United States condemned the arrests, adding that it suspended its aid to Mali’s security forces.

Ndaw and Ouane headed an interim government with the goal of restoring the rule of law in 18 months after the military overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August.

They ask for immediate release of the officials

For its part, the UN Security Council “strongly condemned” the removal and arrest of Mali’s acting president and prime minister by the armed forces, and called for a return to civilian rule.

“The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the arrest of the president and the prime minister responsible for the transition, as well as other officials by elements of the Armed Forces,” said this statement unanimously approved and made public while it was held at the same time an emergency meeting of the UN body.

“To impose a change of direction of the transition by force, including through forced resignations, (is) unacceptable”, highlights the text drawn up by France.

The Council called for “the safe, immediate and unconditional release of all the detained officials and urged the defense elements and security forces to return to their barracks without delay.”

In addition, it demanded an “immediate resumption” of the transition process led by civilians in Mali, which has been under the control of the military since a first coup in early 2020, for which it called for elections “within the established 18-month period. in accordance with the transition letter “.

mg (afp, Reuters)

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