ECOWAS REJECTS NORTHERN MALI SECESSION

The ECOWAS commission has condemned an 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 recently.

President of the commission, Ambassador Désiré Kadré Ouedraogo said in a statement. Ouedraogo described the move as an opportunistic move which will worsen the plight of the population already suffering atrocities and deprivation in the occupied Malian territory.

The commission said the move would also threaten regional peace and security.

'ECOWAS does not recognize the so-called declaration of independence. The commission considered the latest development as a serious threat to regional and international peace and security,' the commission said.

ECOWAS also promised its offer for a negotiated settlement to any genuine grievances and underscore its determination to take measures to prevent the descent of northern Mali into a zone of lawlessness for terrorists.