New York, United Nations, March 23, 2012 (MAP)
The U.N. Security Council on Thursday strongly condemned the forcible seizure of power from the democratically-elected government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and the suspension of the Constitution.
“The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the forcible seizure of power from the democratically elected government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces,” said the 15-nation body in statement read to reporters by Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, who holds the council’s monthly rotating presidency.
The Council called on the soldiers to ensure the safety of President Amadou Toumani Toure and to return to their barracks. It also demanded the release of all Malian officials, and the immediate restoration of constitutional rule and Mali’s government.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged those responsible to refrain from actions that could increase violence and further destabilize the country.
On Thursday, a group of soldiers declared a coup d’etat on Malian television, after seizing control of state broadcasting services and the presidential palace.
The soldiers said they acted because of the president’s incompetence in fighting a Tuaregs-led rebellion in Mali’s north.
The country was due to hold a first round of elections on April 29.
