Mali suspended from African Union over second military coup

The African Union has suspended Mali's membership and threatened sanctions in response to last week's military coup.

Assimi Goita, a colonel who has led two military coups in Mali, was on Friday declared the country's president. MICHELE CATTANI AFP/Archivos

Interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained and pressured to resign in a move that derailed a transition to democratic elections after a coup last August toppled the previous administration.

Former vice president Assimi Goita, a colonel who led both coups, was declared president on Friday.

Communiqué of 1001st meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the situation in #Mali, 1st of June 2021 https://t.co/7xDS7oxEGg

— African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security (@AUC_PAPS) June 2, 2021

In a statement the AU’s Peace and Security Council said Mali’s suspension – effective immediately – would remain until “normal constitutional order has been restored”.

Failing "an unimpeded, transparent and swift return to the civilian-led transition”, the council said targeted would follow.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the arrest of the interim leaders, describing it as "a coup within a coup".

• Political crisis deepens in Mali as transitional leaders resign

There are fears the latest revolt will jeopardise a commitment to hold a presidential elections in February, and undermine a regional fight against Islamist extremists.

On Monday west African leaders suspended Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), but stopped short of imposing sanctions.

The UN Security Council was to hold an emergency meeting Wednesday at the request of former colonial power France and others.