Protesters take to the streets in Bamako, Mali, Monday May 21, 2012. They were protesting Dioncounda Traore's nomination to transitional president for the next 12 months. The junta led by Capt. Amadou Sanogo had been opposed to the extension of the inte
Protesters take to the streets in Bamako, Mali, Monday May 21, 2012. They were protesting Dioncounda Traore's nomination to transitional president for the next 12 months. The junta led by Capt. Amadou Sanogo had been opposed to the extension of the interim president's term, which under the Malian constitution was due to run out on Tuesday. ECOWAS had threatened to reimpose sanctions on Mali if the junta did not stop interfering in the transition. Harouna Traore, Associated Press

By Associated Press

BAMAKO, Mali — West Africa's regional bloc says it will investigate who is responsible for allowing Monday's attack on Mali's president to happen.

The Economic Community of West African States, or 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.

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

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