The ECOWAS Commission has condemned the resignation of the Malian Prime Minister, Mr Cheik Diarra, describing it as an act against the peaceful transition in the country.
Diarra,? resigned on Tuesday, hours after he was arrested by soldiers while trying to leave the West African nation.
The statement?also condemned any form of interference by the military in the political process.
?The Commission while reaffirming its support for the Interim President Dioncounda Traore, urged him to take necessary and immediate measures to form a “representative and inclusive government”.
The statement signed by President of the commission, Amb. Kadre Ouedraogo, said?this was in order to continue efforts at ending the crisis and restoring the territorial integrity of the country.?
It also stated that in line with the decisions of the Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of States?held in April, the executive power in Mali was vested in the interim President, Traore, which is?in line with Mali's constitution which was recognised by ECOWAS, AU and the international community.
Also, the European Union (EU)?in a statement expressed `deep concern about the serious` political and security crisis affecting Mali in particular in the North of the country.
It noted that part of the country had been marked by the emergence and consolidation of a safe? haven for terrorists and organised crime that posed a grave threat to the Sahel region as well as West and North Africa and Europe.
“The EU reiterates the need for a coherent and comprehensive approach to the crisis in Mali, in which Malian, regional and African ownership is essential,’’ it stated. (NAN)