Mali Mutiny: UN chief demands 'immediate release' of President Keita, Prime Minister Cisse

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned “arrest” of Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse by rebelling soldiers and demanded ir “immediate and unconditional release”.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said, " Secretary-General strongly condemns se actions and calls for immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law in Mali. To this end, he demands immediate and unconditional release of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his cabinet."

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Dujarric furr said that Secretary-General is following growing developments in Mali "with deep concern". He said Antonio Guterres reiterates his calls for a negotiated solution and peaceful resolution of differences.

UN chief also extended his support to African Union and Ecomic Community of West African States in ir efforts to find a peaceful solution to current crisis in Mali, including through offices of his Special Representative.

Guterres has urged all stakeholders, especially defence and security forces, to act with maximum restraint while upholding human rights and individual freedoms of all Malians, he added.

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

Mali President and PM ‘arrested’

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

mutiny is said to have begun on Tuesday, August 18 with arrest of several ministers and high-ranking officers. It is believed that revolt is related to financial grievances of servicemen. Four disgruntled military officials are reportedly responsible for mutiny and Mali government has issued a statement, calling for a dialogue with rebels. 

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As per reports, mass demonstrations have erupted on streets of Mali’s capital amid a lack of a security presence, with gunfire occasionally heard, and rebel soldiers have been firing shots in direction of president's residence.

Earlier in day, crowds took to streets in Bamako and surrounded capital city's independence monument. A building owned by Minister of Justice was set on fire and looted. attempted mutiny by Mali troops reportedly took place in Kati, at same camp that a successful military rebellion was launched back in 2012. President Keita has been facing growing public discontent since May after Mali’s top constitutional court upheld results from disputed parliamentary elections.

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(With inputs from ncy)