SOLDIERS IN MALI DETAINED THE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER

Tue 25 May 2021:

Mali is experiencing increased military activity in the capital Bamako amid reports that the military has conducted a coup.

Soldiers in Mali have detained the president and prime minister of the interim government, according to the United Nations and the African Union, deepening political chaos in the sub-Saharan African country just nine months after a military coup toppled its previous leader.

In a joint statement on Monday, the global bodies called for President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane’s “immediate and unconditional release” and said “the international community rejects in advance any act of coercion, including forced resignations”.

The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) called to immediately release the country’s president and prime minister.

“We are following events closely and remain committed to supporting the Transition. We call for calm and demand the immediate and unconditional release of the President and Prime Minister.

Those who are holding them will be held accountable,” MINUSMA said via Twitter on Monday.

The mission also said that those responsible for holding the officials must ensure their well being.

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS also signed on to the statement.

Diplomatic and government sources told Reuters and AFP news agencies that Ndaw, Ouane as well as Defence Minister Souleymane Doucore were being held at a military base in Kati, outside the capital, Bamako.

Mali’s interim government resigned earlier in the month, with the country’s interim President Ba Ndau, having instructed interim Prime Minister Moctar Ouane to form a new government.

Instability in Mali began in August of 2020 when rebels announced the arrest of then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse. Later, the president announced his resignation and the dissolution of the country’s parliament and government.

Former defense minister Ba Ndau was then appointed to be interim president and former foreign minister Moctar Ouane became interim prime minister after the parties agreed to an 18-month transition period.

MALI’S INTERIM PRIME MINISTER TO FORM NEW GOVERNMENT

There was no immediate comment from the military or the government on Ndaw and Ouane’s detentions and the city of Bamako remained relatively calm late on Monday.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed deep concern in a Twitter post and urged calm, while European Union leaders condemned what they called the “kidnapping” of Mali’s civilian leadership.

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