Turmoil worsens crisis in Mali amid jihadist insurgency
Bamako — The AU and UN called for the release of Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and top government officials after they were detained on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers in the capital Bamako.
Images on social media showed Keïta, and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse in military convoy surrounded by armed soldiers, said to be at the Kati garrison, but Reuters could not confirm the authenticity of the videos. It was not immediately clear who was leading the mutineers, who would govern in Keïta's absence or what the mutineers' motivations were. A military spokesperson said he had no information.
The protesters have blamed Keïta for corruption and worsening security in the north and centre of the West African country where Islamist militants are active. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Keïta's detention and that of top government officials by the mutinying soldiers, calling for their immediate release.
The Economic Community of West African States called on the Mali soldiers to return to their barracks.
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