Africa

Mali’s president is detained by soldiers amid mutiny

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita is reportedly held in Bamako following uprising at military base

Malian troops, believed to be part of a detachment possibly mutinying, man an impromptu checkpoint in Kati, Mali, on Tuesday. Photograph: AP Photo
Malian troops, believed to be part of a detachment possibly mutinying, man an impromptu checkpoint in Kati, Mali, on Tuesday. Photograph: AP Photo
Tue Aug 18 2020 - 19:03

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

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

A spokesman for Mr 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 Touré and hastened the fall of Mali’s north to jihadist militants, who continue to operate across the north and centre of the West African country.

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

Earlier on Tuesday, prime minister Boubou Cissé issued a brief statement calling for dialogue and urging mutinous soldiers to stand down.

The US, France and the Economic Community of West African States all condemned the mutiny. – Reuters