Malian Government sets up a crisis unit for release of opposition leader

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The Malian government has set up a crisis cell for the release of opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé and his companions who were kidnapped last week while campaigning in central Mali, PANA learned  from an official source in Ougadougou.

"The government of the Republic of Mali informs both national and international opinion that, on the instructions of President lbrahim Boubacar Keita, a Crisis Cell for the liberation of Hon. Soumaila Cisse and his companions has been put in place," read a statement issued on Tuesday by the Malian governmen.

Chaired by Mr. Ousmane Issoufi Maïga, former Prime Minister, the crisis cell's mission is to ensure the coordination of all actions for the release of the leader of the political opposition and his companions, the statement underlined.

It reassured that the government of Mali will do everything in its power to bring  Soumaila Cissé and his companions back to their families.

"The government expresses its compassion and solidarity to the families and relatives of our citizens deprived of their liberty and appeals to all the goodwill to be involved in their release," said the press release signed by the minister in charge of communication and government spokesperson, Yaya Sangaré.
 
-0- PANA TNDD/TBM/KND/AR 1April2020