Mali Mutiny: Soldiers 'arrest' President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, PM Boubou Cisse

In an apparent coup attempt, Mali soldiers have arrested President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and holding two leaders host at a military camp near capital Bamako.

According to international media reports, apparent mutiny began on Tuesday, August 18 with arrest of several ministers and high-ranking officers. It is believed that mutiny is related to financial grievances of servicemen.

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Mali leaders 'arrested'

As news broke, African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat tweeted in support of arrested Mali leaders and condemned ir arrest while calling for ir immediate release.

Four disgruntled military officials are reportedly responsible for mutiny and Mali government has issued a statement wherein y have called for an open channel of communication with rebels. 

According to reports, mass demonstrations are currently taking place on streets of Mali’s capital. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has claimed that UN chief is monitoring developing conditions in Mali very closely.

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As per reports, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has stated that “ Secretary-General calls on all Malians to preserve integrity of country’s democratic institutions, and we affirm that toger with ECOWS, African Union, European Union and or partners, United Nations will continue to accompany Malians in ir efforts to consolidate peace and democracy”.

Civilians are reported to have surrounded Bamako’s independent monument, and a building owned Mali’s Minister of Justice has been set on fire and looted. news of unrest in Mali’s capital was preceded by reports of an attempted mutiny in a military camp 15 kilometres from city.

Mali President Keita has been facing growing public dissent in country after country’s top court overturned results from a parliamentary election results of which were disputed.

(With ncy inputs)

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