Brussels, 25 May 2021/OACPS: On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OEACP), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, expresses deep concern about the evolution of the political situation in Mali following the kidnapping of transitional leaders on 24 May 2021.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns these acts and calls for the unconditional release of the President and the Prime Minister of the transition Government. He urges all stakeholders to exercise the utmost restraint during this process. He further calls for a continuation of the on-going dialogue aimed at resolving the obstacles related to the establishment of a new Government.

H.E. Mr Chikoti supports the statements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), as well as their efforts with a view to securing the return to constitutional order in Mali.