The IDC-CDI mourns the passing away of Soumailia Cissé, President of our member party Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD). Soumaila committed his life for his country and Africa, as former minister of economy and finance and as candidate for President of Mali on several occasions. He was President of the Economic and Monetary Union of Africa, (UEMOA).

He was kidnapped on March 25 during the election campaign for the legislative elections, during which he was elected on March 29, 2020. He was kidnapped by jihadist terrorists and released on October 9, 2020.

His death due to COVID-19 is a great loss for democracy and the Republic of Mali as well as for the search for a political solution against the jihadist groups in Mali and in the Sahel.

In these difficult times we want to express our condolences to his wife and family, as well as to all members of our URD party.