Ousted President of Mali Flown Abroad for Medical Attention

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Former Malian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, recently deposed by mutinying soldiers was flown to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for medical attention in the late hours of Saturday, a top diplomat said.

Keita, 75, was hospitalised in Mali after his release from detention by the military junta who held him for 10 days.

The former president departed Mali for medical treatment along with his wife, Aminata Maiga Keita, an aide, two doctors and four security personnel, said the diplomat who sought anonymity Sahara Reporters reports.

He was flown to UAE following a request from Malian authorities and Keita, so he could access medical care at a military hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Keita had returned to his residence earlier I the week after hospitalisation at a private hospital under tight security of the military head.

The junta leaders had pledged to allow him access whatever treatment he needed to get, even if in a foreign country.

Mali is now headed by Col. Assimi Goita, leader of the self-acclaimed National Committee for the Salvation of the People.

Recall that an ECOWAS delegation led by erstwhile Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan had met with Keita while he was in detention, and later said Keita opted not to return to power.

This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.

The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.

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