Kanyi Okeke
Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, Prime Minister Boubou Cissé, top government officials and all senior soldiers have been arrested by rampaging soldiers in Mali.
KanyiDaily.com few minutes ago reported that the president of Mali, the prime minister, top government officials and senior military commanders have been arrested by soldiers.
The apparent coup attempt in the West African nation began with gunfire at a key military camp near the capital, Bamako, early today.
The crowd then headed to the city where young men set a government-owned building on fire.
Meanwhile, junior soldiers were going round the country arresting senior soldiers and commanders and eventually took control of Kati camp, about 15km (nine miles) from Bamako.
What do we know about the mutiny / coup in Mali?
The coup was led by Colonel Malick Diaw – deputy head of the Kati camp – and another commander, Gen Sadio Camara, BBC Afrique’s Abdoul Ba in Bamako reports.
After taking over the camp, the mutineers marched on the capital. In the afternoon they stormed Mr Keïta’s residence and arrested the president and his prime minister – who were both there.
The reason for the move is unclear, as is the number of soldiers taking part in the mutiny. Some reports say it was fuelled by a pay dispute.
Kati camp was also the focus of a mutiny in 2012 by soldiers angry at the inability of the senior commanders to stop jihadists and Tuareg rebels taking control of northern Mali.
