UK condemns the detention of Malian government figures: Minister Duddridge statement

UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge said:

Along with the United Nations, ECOWAS, African Union and other partners, the UK condemns the detention of the President, Prime Minister and other members of the government in Mali. We call for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those detained.

The UK supports the transition process to democratic, constitutional rule in Mali and it is deeply concerning that recent events risk undermining efforts to restore this rule within the agreed timeframe. All parties should engage constructively with the ECOWAS delegation which arrives in country today.

The transition process must resume so that the government can deliver on its commitments, established through an inclusive dialogue, and respond to the needs of the Malian people. Those who stand in the way of this process must be held to account.