Mali: President Keita, PM Cisse Arrested By Mutinying Soldiers

The political crisis in Mali took a new twist on Tuesday as mutinying soldiers announced that they have arrested and detained President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.

The arrest of President Keita and PM Cisse by the mutinying soldiers took place in the Malian capital, Bamako.

Forefront gathered that the arrest carried out by soldiers, who mutinied at the Kati Army Base outside of Bamako also witnessed the rounding up of a number of senior civilian and military officials.

In the meantime, the 15 member nations of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in a statement declared that it “vigorously condemns” the uprising which started with gunshots at an army base and tactical vehicles rolling into the capital, Bamako.

ECOWAS therefore called on the military mutineers return to their positions without further delay.

The crisis in Bamako, the Malian capital that led to road blockade, arrests and detention of officials by the military is taking place as protesters are determined to oust President Keita.

One of the leaders of the mutiny, who pleaded anonymity, told a foreign media on phone saying; “We can tell you that the president and the prime minister are under our control.”

The arrests and detention took place few hours after Mr Cisse called for “fraternal dialogue” with the soldiers who triggered fears of a coup attempt.