Canada condemns arrest of President, Prime Minister and other members of Mali’s transitional authority

May 26, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada joins the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and members of the international community in strongly condemning the arrest and detention by the Malian military of President Bah Ndaw, Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and members of the government. Canada calls for their immediate release and a return to the civilian-led transition process to establish democratic stability.

“In addition, general elections must be held by the end of March 2022, as agreed with ECOWAS.

“Canada is very concerned about the detention of members of the transitional authorities in Mali, their sudden resignation and the seizure of power by the vice president. We stand with the Malian people in their aspirations for a more just and democratic future, which includes a fundamental respect for human rights.”

Canadians in Mali who require emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Bamako at +223 44 98 04 50 or bmakoconsular@international.gc.ca or contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613 996 8885 or sos@international.gc.ca.