Security Council Condemns Coup in Mali

The Security Council adopted this PRST on Wednesday April 4, 2012. 

"The Security Council reiterates its strong condemnation of the forcible seizure of power from the democratically-elected Government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces, and recalls in this regard its Press statement of 22 March 2012 and its Presidential statement of 26 March 2012. The Council calls on the mutineers to ensure the safety and security of all Malian officials and demands the immediate release of those detained. The Council renews its call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule and the democratically-elected Government and for the preservation of the electoral process.

The Security Council supports the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which issued communiqués on 27 and 29 March 2012, and commends the work of President Blaise Compaore, as ECOWAS facilitator, in promoting the return to full civilian authority and the effective reestablishment of constitutional order in Mali. The Council also commends the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for West Africa and of the African Union in this regard and takes note of the announcement of the mutineers to restore constitutional rule as of April 1, 2012. The Council expects the mutineers to take immediate steps to effectively implement this commitment and will follow developments closely.

The Security Council strongly condemns the continued attacks, looting and seizure of territory carried out by rebel groups in the North of Mali and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Council is alarmed by the presence in the region of the terrorist group Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which could lead to a further destabilization of the security situation. The Council calls upon the rebels to immediately cease all violence and urges all parties in Mali to seek a peaceful solution through appropriate political dialogue and stresses the importance of the safety of civilians and of the respect of human rights.

The Security Council reaffirms the need to uphold and respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali.

The Security Council renews its serious concern over the insecurity and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Sahel region.

The Council commends efforts of humanitarian organisations involved and calls on all parties in Mali to allow timely, safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to civilians in need, in accordance with international law, including applicable international humanitarian law, and guiding principles of emergency humanitarian assistance. The Council calls for an increased mobilization of the international community to support humanitarian efforts.

The Security Council expresses its concern at the risk posed by fighting to Mali’s World Heritage sites.

The Security Council requests the Secretary General to update it, as appropriate, on developments in Mali and will remain seized of the matter."