Mali: President attacked – ECOWAS to investigate

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it will investigate who is responsible for allowing Monday’s attack on Mali’s president to happen.

ECOWAS, expressed surprise that an attack could take place at the presidential palace where security is usually tight. ECOWAS said protests that led to the attack must have been organized by forces wanting to disrupt a return to constitutional rule in Mali.

Interim President Dioncounda Traore suffered a head wound and was taken to a hospital. Traore was released from the hospital later in the day.

Military officers toppled Mali’s democratically elected president on March 21. West African (ECOWAS) leaders have been pressuring them to return the country to civilian rule.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press