BREAKING NEWS

Mali President Keita arrested by mutinying soldiers, say security sources

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse issued a brief statement calling for dialog and urging mutinous soldiers to stand down.

By REUTERS

AUGUST 18, 2020 21:45

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was detained on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers in the capital Bamako, two security sources told Reuters.

Soldiers had earlier in the day mutinied at the Kati military base about 15 km (9 miles) outside of Bamako and rounded up a number of senior civilian and military officials.

A spokesman for Keita could not be reached for comment.

A mutiny in 2012 at the Kati base led to a military coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and hastened the fall of Mali's north to jihadist militants, who continue to operate across the north and center of the West African country.

Keita has faced mass protests since June calling for his resignation over alleged corruption and worsening security.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse issued a brief statement calling for dialog and urging mutinous soldiers to stand down.

The United States, France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) all condemned the mutiny.

Mali state television broadcaster ORTM also went offline on Tuesday after mutinying soldiers the detained.