Mali’s President Resigns: ‘I Don’t Want Bloodshed’
Following a quasi-military coup operation in Mali, the country’s president announced his resignation and the dissolution of his government. He stated that he does not want bloodshed in the country and is handing over power to the military.
Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, president of Mali, who was arrested following a military mutiny, announced his resignation. On Tuesday evening (August 19), he said in a brief speech on state television: “I do not wish blood to be shed in order to remain in power.”
Along with his resignation, he also announced the dissolution of the government and parliament.
The president was arrested at his residence in Bamako, the capital, by soldiers who had mutinied at a military base. He has been accused of corruption and failing to counter Islamic extremists.
According to reporters from France’s Radio France Internationale, the mutinous soldiers distributed weapons from army arsenals and advanced toward the capital’s center in vehicles filled with armed personnel.
Since Tuesday morning, large crowds of protesters gathered in Independence Square and chanted against Keïta’s government. Upon hearing news of the military coup, they expressed their joy with enthusiasm and excitement.
In Mali’s latest developments, on Wednesday morning, the mutinous soldiers demanded a transfer of power and general elections in the near future.
Criticism of the Mutineers
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the military mutiny and any arbitrary action contrary to the country’s constitution, and called for the restoration of order and security in Mali. The organization urged the soldiers to immediately vacate the streets and return to their barracks.
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attempt to overthrow Mali’s government.
Reuters reported, citing a source at the Élysée Palace, that the president spoke by telephone with the leaders of Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Niger about Mali’s situation and called for an immediate solution to the country’s political crisis.
Mali has been in a deep political crisis for several months now. One of the people’s greatest concerns, aside from poverty and severe deprivation, is the dire security situation.
Islamic quasi-military groups effectively control large portions of the country. Government opposition forces have been calling on people for mass protests for the past several weeks. Keïta, who rules with absolute authority, has ordered the arrest of opposition leaders.
Source: DW
