Own Correspondent

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has learnt with concern of developments in the Republic of Mali, which have led to the forced resignation of the President of Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

President Ramaphosa, as Chair of the African Union, condemned the unconstitutional change of government in Mali.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa demandedbthat the Malian military release from detention the President, the Prime Minister, Ministers and other Government executives.

He called for an immediate return to civilian rule and for the military to return to their barracks.

Ramaphosa urged the people of Mali, political parties and civil society, to observe the rule of law and engage in peaceful dialogue in order to resolve their challenges.

The South African President further urged African leaders and the entire international community to denounce and reject the military-led unconstitutional change of government and to assist the people of Mali to return to civilian and democratic rule.