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Mutinying solders have reportedly arrested Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.
Clips have surfaced on social media showing a convoy of vehicles surrounded by troops with a statement by a leader of the mutinying soldiers confirming the arrest.
“We can tell you that the president and the prime minister are under our control,” the leader, who requested anonymity, told AFP. He added that the pair had been “arrested” at Keita’s residence in the capital Bamako.
Earlier, Cisse urged mutinying soldiers to stand down and called for dialogue to resolve the situation.
Reports of the mutiny first emerged after gunfire was heard at an army base outside the capital, Bamako.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in a statement condemned the mutiny, saying it will derail the gains it has been making at bringing lasting peace in the country.
It said, “This mutiny comes at a time when, for several months now, ECOWAS has been taking initiatives and conducting mediation efforts with all the Malian parties,” the 15-nation bloc said in a statement. “ECOWAS calls on all soldiers to return to their barracks without delay.”
The mutiny has also been condemned by France and the U.S.
The latest occurrence comes amidst a political crisis in Mali, where thousands of protesters had taken to the streets of the capital city, calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Disputed local election and perceived corruption prompted protests in June, led by opposition coalition.
Source: CGTN
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.