Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has resigned, hours after soldiers seized him from his home as part of a coup following months of mass protests against alleged corruption and worsening security in the West African country.
The news of Keita’s departure was met with jubilation by anti-government demonstrators , while leaders of the military coup said they would enact a political transition and stage elections within a reasonable time.
The soldiers behind the coup – calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People – appeared on state television in military fatigues, pledging to stabilise the country.
According to Ismail Wague, Mali Air Force’s deputy chief of staff, they are not holding on to power but are holding on to the stability of the country.
He said that with the people standing as one, they will restore the country to it’s former greatness.
Wague, announced that borders were closed and a curfew was going into effect from 9pm to 5am.
He also said that the measures will allow them to organise within an agreed reasonable time frame, general elections to equip Mali with strong institutions, which are able to better manage their everyday lives and restore confidence between the government and the governed.
President Ibrahim Keita announced he was stepping down in a brief address on national tv at around midnight.
The 75-year-old, who looked tired, said his resignation which is coming three years before his final term was due to end, was effective immediately.
He also declared the dissolution of his government and the National Assembly.
Keita said this from a military base in Kati outside the capital Bamako where he and his Prime Minister Boubou Cisse had been detained earlier in the day.
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