AU condemns Mali coup
Addis Ababa, 22 Mar – (ANA) - The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, has expressed concern over attempts by rebel soldiers in the Malian Army to seize power stressing the need to respect constitutional legitimacy as represented by the republican institutions, including the President of the Republic, Head of State, Amadou Toumani Touré.
In a statement, Ping said he would continue the Malian situation adding that he was in contact with President Thomas Yayi Boni, Chairman of the Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other relevant international stakeholders. Meanwhile in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, the ECOWAS Commission says it strongly condemns the misguided actions of the mutineers and warns that it will not condone any recourse to violence as a means of seeking redress. The Commission wishes to remind the military of its responsibility under the Constitution, and to reiterate ECOWAS’ policy of “Zero Tolerance” for any attempt to obtain or maintain power by unconstitutional means.(ANA)
FA/ANA/22 March 2012------