The ECOWAS Commission has been following the unfolding events in Bamako, the 
capital of Mali, with dismay and mounting concern, following the mutiny by a 
section of the military at the Kati Barracks on the outskirts of the capital 
on 21 March 2012.

The disturbances sparked by elements within the armed forces are all the more 
reprehensible, coming amidst the on-going regional and international efforts 
to seek a peaceful solution to the rebellion in the north of the country, and 
a day after a special ministerial session of the AU Peace and Security Council 
on the matter ended in Bamako.

ECOWAS 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.

ECOWAS is closely monitoring developments in the country and will respond 
appropriately to any attempts to further disturb the precarious security 
situation. 

H.E. Désiré Kadré OUEDRAOGO
President of the ECOWAS Commission		Abuja, 2