BAMAKO - The European Union (EU) and the UN have condemned the “kidnapping” of Mali’s civilian leadership and warned of potential sanctions against those responsible.
The UN mission in Mali demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of the country’s president and prime minister, who were detained by military officers.
The EU slammed the "kidnapping" of Mali interim president Bah N'Daw and prime minister Moctar Ouane after soldiers took the civilian leaders into custody.
The leaders were reportedly taken to the Kati military base located near Mali's capital, Bamako. "What happened was grave and serious and we are ready to consider necessary measures," European Council president Charles Michel told reporters following an EU summit in Brussels.
The arrests bring further uncertainty to the west African country after a military coup overthrew president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
