Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita casts his ballot at a polling station in Bamako, Mali on April 19, 2020. The second round of legislative elections kicked off this Sunday at 8 a.m. GMT for Malian voters to choose the remaining 125 of the 147 deputies for Mali's National Assembly. (Photo by Habib Kouyate/Xinhua)

"The secretary-general strongly condemns these actions and calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law in Mali. To this end, he demands the immediate and unconditional release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his cabinet," says Stephane Dujarric.

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 18 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law in Mali after the country's president was arrested.

"The secretary-general is following with deep concern the unfolding developments in Mali, including the military mutiny which culminated in the arrest of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his government earlier today in Bamako," said a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres.