U.N. worried by West African coups

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NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- In light of recent conflicts in Mali and Guinea-Bissau, the United Nations said it calls for the "strict adherence" to democratic norms.

A peacekeeping force from the Economic Community of West African States arrived this week in Guinea-Bissau as the country was swearing in an interim prime minister, the BBC reports. Military had forces toppled the government, though coup leaders said they'd oversee a 12-month political transition.

ECOWAS this week expressed frustration with enduring military authority. Rebel Capt. Amadou Sanogo led the military seizure of the country in March, saying the military was frustrated that the country's leaders were unable to control rebels in northern Mali. Rebels have since claimed autonomy for the region.

Said Djinnit, the U.N. special envoy to West Africa, announced plans to attend an ECOWAS summit in the Ivory Coast during the weekend.

"The United Nations calls again for strict adherence to democratic principles and for the military in both countries to return to their barracks, refrain from any political involvement and to respect civilian authority and the rule of law," he said in a statement.

Djinnit said the weekend talks were "critical" to ensuring constitutional order is returned to both countries.