Bronx, NY—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement: 

“In the wake of yesterday’s coup in Mali, I call on the Malian military to immediately return the country to constitutional rule and ensure the safety and security of all detained government officials. Should the military fail to return to the barracks, the United States will again be legally required to cease any ongoing security cooperation with Mali, even though such cooperation has been limited since the 2012 coup. In the days ahead, it will be critical to support efforts by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to mediate among Malian stakeholders and work toward a peaceful resolution of this crisis. 

“Yesterday’s events are further proof of the futility of U.S. efforts to stabilize the Sahel without addressing the root causes of instability. Recent events, including mass anti-government protests last month, are an alarming reminder of the precursors to Mali’s last political and security crisis in 2012. It’s unfortunate that after nearly a decade of efforts to rebuild a state that almost collapsed in the aftermath of that coup, Mali finds itself in a similar position.”

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