Military Coup In West African Country Mali on Tuesday has forced President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign from the post.
Months after mass protests and demonstrations against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s ruling, the military coup has bought jubilation among the people of Mali. Protests were on a high note as they alleged the President for corruption.
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The military coup was welcomed by the anti-government demonstrators. The soldiers behind the coup have called themselves as ‘National Committee for the Salvation of the people’. They have appeared on State Television and assured pledged for stabilization. They have also assured of elections within a reasonable time.
Mali Air Force’s deputy chief of staff, Ismail Wague told –
We are not holding on to power but we are holding on to the stability of the country,
With you, standing as one, we can restore this country to its former greatness,
Announcing a curfew between 5.00 A.M to 9.00 P.M by closing the borders, Wague said –
This will allow us to organise within an agreed reasonable timeframe, general elections to equip Mali with strong institutions, which are able to better manage our everyday lives and restore confidence between the government and the governed.
With no choice in such a situation for the 75-year old Boubacar Keita, he announced his resignation and declared the dissolution of his government and the National Assembly. He stated –
If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?
I wish no blood to be shed to keep me in power,” he said. “I have decided to step down from office.
Both President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse were detained by the Military coup group outside Mali’s capital Bamako.
International condemnation
Tuesday’s developments were condemned by the African Union, the US, China, France and the UN.
United Nations (UNO) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked an
the immediate restoration of constitutional order and rule of law
A UN Security meeting was convened immediately to discuss the situation in Mali. The UN has a strong peacekeeping mission with its 15,600 soldiers.