Statement By The President of The ECOWAS Commission On The Attempt To Create a So-Called "Islamic State of Azawad" in Northern Mali

28 May 2012
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Economic Community of West African States (Abuja)
press release

ECOWAS has learnt with incomprehension the attempt to create an 'Islamic State of Azawad' in the occupied northern territory of Mali, following the merger of the rebel National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Ansar Dine on 26 May 2012.

ECOWAS strongly condemns this opportunistic move, which will only worsen the plight of the populations already suffering atrocities and deprivation in the occupied Malian territory, and further threaten regional peace and security. ECOWAS wishes to reiterate that it will never compromise on the territorial integrity of Mali. ECOWAS does not recognize the so-called declaration of independence.

ECOWAS considers this latest development as a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. It reiterates its offer for a negotiated settlement to any genuine grievances, but wishes to underscore its determination to take all necessary measures to prevent the descent of northern Mali into a zone of lawlessness for terrorists and other criminal networks, and to assist Mali to re-establish the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

H.E. Désiré Kadré OUEDRAOGO

President of the ECOWAS Commission

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