Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigns to avoid 'blood shed' after military mutiny

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita anunced early on Wednesday that he is resigning from his post to ‘avoid bloodshed’ hours after he was detained by mutinying soldiers amid rising political crisis in frail West African Nation.

In a brief statement broadcasted on Mali’s national television, Keita said that military intervention has left him with ‘ choice’ but to resign because he does t wish ‘blood to be shed.’ President said he has decided to give up his duties from this day onwards. It is t clear wher military is t officially in charge of country.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Ibrahim Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were ‘arrested’ by military troops in a dramatic escalation to growing unrest in country.

READ | Mali Mutiny: UN Chief Demands 'Immediate Release' Of President Keita, Prime Minister Cisse

Mali mutiny

mutiny began after troops arrested several ministers and high-ranking officers and held m host at a military camp near capital Bamako at a key base in Kati, a town close to Bamako.

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. 

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.

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

Rising tensions

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 Malian troops reportedly took place in Kati, at same camp that a successful military rebellion was launched back in 2012.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had been facing growing public discontent since May after Mali’s top constitutional court upheld results from disputed parliamentary elections.

READ | Mali Protesters Call For President To Resign

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