The Federal Government of Nigeria  says the detention of Mali Interim President, Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, might derail the peace keeping efforts in the government.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 25, signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwoye, the Federal Government condemned the arrest of the officials by Mali military.

It described the action as totally unacceptable, adding that the action might derail the peace building efforts and timetable for the return of democratic governance in Mali.

 

The statement tagged;

 

‘FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS DETENTION OF INTERIM PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER BY SOLDIERS IN MALI, read;

 

“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns in strong terms the detention of the duo of the interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane of Mali.

 

“The two key officials in the transitional government of Mali were reportedly taken by soldiers to the Kati Military camp near the capital, Bamako On Monday 24th 2021.

 

“The action is totally unacceptable and might derail the peace building efforts and timetable for the return of democratic governance in Mali.

 

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the President and Prime Minister.

“The key actors and perpetrators of the condemn-able act should be aware of the fact that stakeholders in the region and friends of Mali reject any act of coercion of the detained officials, including forced resignations.”