UK Condemns Detention Of Government Figures In Mali

The UK on Tuesday condemned the detention of Mali's interim president and prime minister by the West African country's military.

"Along with the United Nations, ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States], African Union and other partners, the UK condemns the detention of the President, Prime Minister and other members of the government in Mali," Minister for Africa James Duddridge said in a statement.

"We call for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those detained," he added.

On Monday, the officials in Mali's transitional government were reportedly arrested and taken to the Kati military camp near the capital Bamako by soldiers.

"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," Duddridge said.

"All parties should engage constructively with the ECOWAS delegation which arrives in country today."

He also said 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." -