The Political and Security Situation in Mali

The Political and Security Situation in Mali

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 3, 2012

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We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing political crisis in Mali. Mali’s territorial integrity is at stake and its political institutions will be further weakened if Captain Amadou Sanogo and his supporters do not release their illegitimate grip on Mali and its people immediately. We commend the ongoing leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore full civilian and constitutional rule and echo its call on Captain Sanogo and his supporters to return power to a civilian leadership consistent with Mali’s Constitution.

The United States urgently calls on all armed rebels in the north of Mali to cease military operations that compromise the Republic of Mali’s territorial integrity and exhorts all parties in the north to ensure the safety and security of Mali’s northern populations. As civilian leadership is restored, we also urge all armed rebels to engage in dialogue with civilian leaders in Bamako to find a non-violent path forward for national elections and a peaceful coexistence.

ENDS

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