Following the coup in Mali, FCO Minister James Duddridge said:
Along with our partners in the UN Security Council, the UK made clear today that it opposes the removal of Mali's elected government by force.
I call on all parties to maintain calm, ensure full respect for human rights, and engage in constructive dialogue to ease tensions. All those detained during these tumultuous events must be released immediately.
I support the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the United Nations to encourage a resolution to this crisis. We must focus our attention on re-establishing a civilian government in Mali as soon as possible. Only a democratically elected government can meet the needs and aspirations of the Malian people, including by delivering progress on the Mali peace process.
