An Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group in troubled Mali on Thursday (Apr 30) called for a broad coalition to bring down the Junta government while simultaneously tightening a road blockade that is strangling supply routes into the capital Bamako. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its French acronym JNIM, issued a statement late Thursday calling on "all sincere patriots, without exception, to rise up and unite our forces in a common front" to "bring down the junta" and pursue what it described as "a peaceful and inclusive transition."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-india-s-lpg-atf-prices-hiked-all-we-know-strait-of-hormuz-iran-war-1777607068757">Fact Check: India's LPG, ATF prices hiked? All we know</a><h2>JNIM rallies for a "common front" against the Junta</h2>JNIM's appeal was addressed to political parties, the national armed forces, religious authorities, traditional leaders and "all components of Malian society". The call followed coordinated weekend attacks by JNIM and Tuareg separatist groups against junta-held positions. Notably, Mali's defence minister Sadio Camara was killed in the strikes. His state funeral was held on Thursday under tight security in Bamako. Thousands attended, including junta leader Assimi Goita.JNIM had earlier announced a blockade of roads leading into Bamako and the nearby town of Kati, a junta stronghold, threatening severe reprisals against anyone travelling those routes. The only exception, a spokesperson said, was for people already in Bamako who wished to leave. "The only concession is being made for those already in Bamako to allow them to leave."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-commissions-chinese-submarine-fleet-why-has-islamabad-named-its-newest-attack-submarine-hangor-1971-war-1777601966882">Pakistan commissions Chinese submarine fleet: Why has Islamabad named its newest attack submarine Hangor?</a><h2>Blockade chokes Mali capital</h2>The effects were visible by Thursday, reports AFP. Hundreds of passenger vehicles and goods trucks were stranded at multiple entry points into the capital, with drivers reporting they had been waiting since Wednesday with no clear indication of when movement would resume. "There are at least a hundred vehicles parked here as far as the eye can see," one lorry driver told AFP from the border town of Kouremale. "We're waiting for things to settle down, but anxiety is mounting."The blockade is hitting Mali's economy at a critical point. The country is landlocked and heavily dependent on road corridors running through neighbouring Ivory Coast, Senegal and Guinea for fuel and goods. On the road to Sikasso, a key route connecting Mali to Ivorian ports, including Abidjan, a number of drivers had been killed in violent incidents reported the news agency. However, the claim could not be independently verified. Air traffic into Bamako has not been affected.

Mali’s crisis seems to be entering a dangerous new phase as an Al-Qaeda-linked group calls for a united front to topple the Junta government. JNIM has also tightened the blockade around Bamako, threatening to choke vital supply lines into the capital. Scroll down for reas more.

An Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group in troubled Mali on Thursday (Apr 30) called for a broad coalition to bring down the Junta government while simultaneously tightening a road blockade that is strangling supply routes into the capital Bamako. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its French acronym JNIM, issued a statement late Thursday calling on "all sincere patriots, without exception, to rise up and unite our forces in a common front" to "bring down the junta" and pursue what it described as "a peaceful and inclusive transition." Also read | Fact Check: India's LPG, ATF prices hiked? All we know JNIM rallies for a "common front" against the Junta JNIM's appeal was addressed to political parties, the national armed forces, religious authorities, traditional leaders and "all components of Malian society". The call followed coordinated weekend attacks by JNIM and Tuareg separatist groups against junta-held positions. Notably, Mali's defence minister Sadio Camara was killed in the strikes. His state funeral was held on Thursday under tight security in Bamako. Thousands attended, including junta leader Assimi Goita. JNIM had earlier announced a blockade of roads leading into Bamako and the nearby town of Kati, a junta stronghold, threatening severe reprisals against anyone travelling those routes. The only exception, a spokesperson said, was for people already in Bamako who wished to leave. "The only concession is being made for those already in Bamako to allow them to leave." Also read | Pakistan commissions Chinese submarine fleet: Why has Islamabad named its newest attack submarine Hangor? Blockade chokes Mali capital The effects were visible by Thursday, reports AFP. Hundreds of passenger vehicles and goods trucks were stranded at multiple entry points into the capital, with drivers reporting they had been waiting since Wednesday with no clear indication of when movement would resume. "There are at least a hundred vehicles parked here as far as the eye can see," one lorry driver told AFP from the border town of Kouremale. "We're waiting for things to settle down, but anxiety is mounting." The blockade is hitting Mali's economy at a critical point. The country is landlocked and heavily dependent on road corridors running through neighbouring Ivory Coast, Senegal and Guinea for fuel and goods. On the road to Sikasso, a key route connecting Mali to Ivorian ports, including Abidjan, a number of drivers had been killed in violent incidents reported the news agency. However, the claim could not be independently verified. Air traffic into Bamako has not been affected.

Mali’s crisis seems to be entering a dangerous new phase as an Al-Qaeda-linked group calls for a united front to topple the Junta government. JNIM has also tightened the blockade around Bamako, threatening to choke vital supply lines into the capital. Scroll down for reas more.

Al-Qaeda linked group calls for united front against Mali's military junta as blockade chokes capital Bamako

Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued a rare criticism of the military rulers.

The West African country, plagued by jihadist and separatist violence, has been led by the military since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

Maiga, who was appointed by the military after the second coup, had been seen as isolated in his position as prime minister, with little room for manoeuvre.

His dismissal creates further uncertainty in an already troubled context.

"The duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated," according to a decree issued by Colonel Assimi Goita that was read out by the secretary general of the presidency, Alfousseyni Diawara, on state television ORTM.

Some key junta figures such as Defence Minister General Sadio Camara and Minister of Reconciliation General Ismael Wague are members of the government.

In June 2022, the junta promised to organise elections and hand over power to civilians by the end of March 2024, but later postponed elections indefinitely.

Maiga on Saturday publicly condemned the lack of clarity regarding the end of the transition to civilian rule.

He said the confusion could pose "serious challenges and the risk of going backwards".

Maiga, 66, previously served as a minister on several occasions and ran three times as a presidential candidate.

He was the civilian face of the junta's strategic pivot away from former colonial ruler France and toward closer political and military ties with Russia.

At the United Nations in September 2021, Maiga denounced what he called the "abandonment in mid-air" regarding the announced withdrawal of the French anti-jihadist force deployed in the country.

He said the withdrawal forced Mali to explore new avenues with other partners, at a time when the presence of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner loomed.&nbsp;

<h2>Increasingly untenable&nbsp;</h2>

Maiga is a key figure in the M5-RFP political movement that took part in protests against Mali's former civilian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who was toppled by the military in August 2020.

But Maiga began to distance himself from the junta, prompting speculation for months that he would be sacked.

In May, the M5-RFP movement published a statement openly criticising the military rulers after they failed to meet their deadline to hand back power to civilians.

A close ally of Maiga, who signed the statement, was sentenced to a year in prison in July before being released in September after his sentence was commuted.

Maiga endorsed the statement but had until now kept his position at the head of the government.

After his criticism of the junta on Saturday, Maiga's position became increasingly untenable.&nbsp;

An influential group supporting the military rulers, the Collective for the Defence of the Military (CDM), had called for him to step down within 72 hours.

Limited demonstrations took place on Tuesday in support of the military and calling for the prime minister's resignation.

Maiga's comments gave rise to speculation as to whether he was positioning himself for a possible future presidential election.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued a rare criticism of the military rulers.

Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued a rare criticism of the military rulers. The West African country, plagued by jihadist and separatist violence, has been led by the military since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. Maiga, who was appointed by the military after the second coup, had been seen as isolated in his position as prime minister, with little room for manoeuvre. His dismissal creates further uncertainty in an already troubled context. "The duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated," according to a decree issued by Colonel Assimi Goita that was read out by the secretary general of the presidency, Alfousseyni Diawara, on state television ORTM. Some key junta figures such as Defence Minister General Sadio Camara and Minister of Reconciliation General Ismael Wague are members of the government. In June 2022, the junta promised to organise elections and hand over power to civilians by the end of March 2024, but later postponed elections indefinitely. Maiga on Saturday publicly condemned the lack of clarity regarding the end of the transition to civilian rule. He said the confusion could pose "serious challenges and the risk of going backwards". Maiga, 66, previously served as a minister on several occasions and ran three times as a presidential candidate. He was the civilian face of the junta's strategic pivot away from former colonial ruler France and toward closer political and military ties with Russia. At the United Nations in September 2021, Maiga denounced what he called the "abandonment in mid-air" regarding the announced withdrawal of the French anti-jihadist force deployed in the country. He said the withdrawal forced Mali to explore new avenues with other partners, at a time when the presence of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner loomed. Increasingly untenable Maiga is a key figure in the M5-RFP political movement that took part in protests against Mali's former civilian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who was toppled by the military in August 2020. But Maiga began to distance himself from the junta, prompting speculation for months that he would be sacked. In May, the M5-RFP movement published a statement openly criticising the military rulers after they failed to meet their deadline to hand back power to civilians. A close ally of Maiga, who signed the statement, was sentenced to a year in prison in July before being released in September after his sentence was commuted. Maiga endorsed the statement but had until now kept his position at the head of the government. After his criticism of the junta on Saturday, Maiga's position became increasingly untenable. An influential group supporting the military rulers, the Collective for the Defence of the Military (CDM), had called for him to step down within 72 hours. Limited demonstrations took place on Tuesday in support of the military and calling for the prime minister's resignation. Maiga's comments gave rise to speculation as to whether he was positioning himself for a possible future presidential election. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mali Junta sacks PM Choguel Maiga after rare criticism of military rule

Malian Political parties and civil society groups jointly rejected on Thursday the ruling junta's order to suspend political activities and vowed to mount a legal challenge to what one opposition politician called the "dictatorial" move. The west african country has been under military rule since a coup in 2020. Tensions have risen in recent weeks, leading major parties and other organisations jointly to call out the junta on march 31 for not scheduling elections within the promised time frame.

Mali junta breaks promise on elections

The ruling Junta in Mali announced a suspension of all political activities in the country until further notice. They claim that this move is executed in order to maintain public order. Watch in for more detail!

Mali's Junta suspends political activities amid turmoil

Insurgency is on the rise in the impoverished, West African nation of Mali, especially in its northern and central regions. On the 7th of September, attacks on an army base and a passenger boat on the Niger river in Northern Mali by suspected Jihadists killed 64 people. The assaults were claimed by a group affiliated to Al-Qaeda. The very next day, a suicide attack targeted a military base in northern Mali. And on the 12th of September, armed groups from northern Mali claimed to have captured the key town of Bourem, following fighting with the Malian army. Given the resumption of hostilities in the north, the Mali Junta has cancelled independence day celebrations planned for next week. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Rebel groups claim capture of key town in Mali | World at War

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday.

During the phone talks, "at the initiative of the Malian side", the two leaders paid "particular attention" to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilisers and fuel from Russia to Mali, the Kremlin said in a press release.

Colonel Goita thanked Putin "for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralise the terrorist threat and stabilise the situation" in his country, the Kremlin added.

The landlocked Sahel state has been battling a security crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the north in 2012.

It has since August 2020 been ruled by a military junta, which broke a long-standing alliance with France and other Western partners in the fight against jihadism and turned to Russia for political and military assistance.

Mali received shipments of Russian military supplies in March and August 2022, and again in January 2023.

In March, the Malian army received several aircraft from Russia.

"Very satisfied with my telephone conversation" with Putin, Goita said on Twitter.

"We had direct and sincere exchanges on subjects of common interest and on our desire to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and security relations", he added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday. During the phone talks, "at the initiative of the Malian side", the two leaders paid "particular attention" to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilisers and fuel from Russia to Mali, the Kremlin said in a press release. Colonel Goita thanked Putin "for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralise the terrorist threat and stabilise the situation" in his country, the Kremlin added. The landlocked Sahel state has been battling a security crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the north in 2012. It has since August 2020 been ruled by a military junta, which broke a long-standing alliance with France and other Western partners in the fight against jihadism and turned to Russia for political and military assistance. Mali received shipments of Russian military supplies in March and August 2022, and again in January 2023. In March, the Malian army received several aircraft from Russia. "Very satisfied with my telephone conversation" with Putin, Goita said on Twitter. "We had direct and sincere exchanges on subjects of common interest and on our desire to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and security relations", he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mali junta leader discusses security, economy with Putin

Mali's military junta will hold meetings on Saturday to discuss its promised transition to civilian rule after mounting pressure from neighbours to yield power in the weeks since it overthrew the nation's leader.

The West African country has long been plagued by chronic instability, a simmering jihadist revolt, ethnic violence and endemic corruption, prompting a clique of rebel colonels to detain elderly President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last month.

They pledged to step down after an undefined transition period, but the putsch has prompted Mali's neighbours and former colonial ruler France to demand a swift transfer of power, with fears the crisis could impact neighbouring states.

The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc has imposed sanctions and closed borders to Mali as part of efforts to press the junta into handing over power quickly.

Saturday's summit was originally planned for last weekend but was called off at the last minute after a quarrel between the military and the June 5 Movement, which spearheaded the protests that led to the toppling of president Keita.

The opposition coalition of civil and religious leaders has demanded that the military rulers give it a role in the transition to civilian rule, but was not invited for transition talks last Saturday.

It has now been included for the rescheduled talks on Saturday and Sunday, along with political parties, former rebels, unions, civil society organisations and media representatives.

The weekend talks, chaired by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita, are set to begin at 9:30 am (0930 GMT) Saturday in the capital Bamako.

Parallel talks will take place in regional capitals, led by regional governors, according to the junta.

Members of the Malian diaspora will also have their say, according to a spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), as the junta is known.

One of the key issues will be the length of the transition to civilian rule.

Originally the junta proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, before bringing that down to two years.

The June 5 Movement has said it wants a transition period of 18-24 months.

West African leaders, who have called for elections within 12 months, will meet via videoconference on Monday with the Mali situation at the top of their agenda.

- 'No blank cheque' -

The June 5 Movement led the protests against Keita for weeks before he was removed from power after seven years in charge.

It fears the junta is hijacking the coup and is demanding equal billing during the transition period.

Influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, has insisted that the junta does not have "carte blanche".

"We will not give a blank cheque to anyone to run this country, that's over," he said.

"We led the fight. People have died and the soldiers who have completed (this fight) must keep their word."

- Ambush -

Mali's security situation had deteriorated in the lead-up to the country's fourth coup since it became an independent nation 60 years ago.

The ill-equipped army has the Herculean task of securing an area two-and-a-half times the size of France from different groups allied to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State and various militia groups -- some fighting for the government and others against it.

At least 10 Malian soldiers were killed in an overnight ambush in a central region near the Mauritanian border where armed jihadist groups are rampant, security and local sources said Friday.

It was the third time Malian security forces have suffered heavy losses since the military took power.

Mali's military junta will hold meetings on Saturday to discuss its promised transition to civilian rule after mounting pressure from neighbours to yield power in the weeks since it overthrew the nation's leader.

Mali's military junta will hold meetings on Saturday to discuss its promised transition to civilian rule after mounting pressure from neighbours to yield power in the weeks since it overthrew the nation's leader. The West African country has long been plagued by chronic instability, a simmering jihadist revolt, ethnic violence and endemic corruption, prompting a clique of rebel colonels to detain elderly President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last month. They pledged to step down after an undefined transition period, but the putsch has prompted Mali's neighbours and former colonial ruler France to demand a swift transfer of power, with fears the crisis could impact neighbouring states. The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc has imposed sanctions and closed borders to Mali as part of efforts to press the junta into handing over power quickly. Saturday's summit was originally planned for last weekend but was called off at the last minute after a quarrel between the military and the June 5 Movement, which spearheaded the protests that led to the toppling of president Keita. The opposition coalition of civil and religious leaders has demanded that the military rulers give it a role in the transition to civilian rule, but was not invited for transition talks last Saturday. It has now been included for the rescheduled talks on Saturday and Sunday, along with political parties, former rebels, unions, civil society organisations and media representatives. The weekend talks, chaired by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita, are set to begin at 9:30 am (0930 GMT) Saturday in the capital Bamako. Parallel talks will take place in regional capitals, led by regional governors, according to the junta. Members of the Malian diaspora will also have their say, according to a spokesperson for the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), as the junta is known. One of the key issues will be the length of the transition to civilian rule. Originally the junta proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, before bringing that down to two years. The June 5 Movement has said it wants a transition period of 18-24 months. West African leaders, who have called for elections within 12 months, will meet via videoconference on Monday with the Mali situation at the top of their agenda. - 'No blank cheque' - The June 5 Movement led the protests against Keita for weeks before he was removed from power after seven years in charge. It fears the junta is hijacking the coup and is demanding equal billing during the transition period. Influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, has insisted that the junta does not have "carte blanche". "We will not give a blank cheque to anyone to run this country, that's over," he said. "We led the fight. People have died and the soldiers who have completed (this fight) must keep their word." - Ambush - Mali's security situation had deteriorated in the lead-up to the country's fourth coup since it became an independent nation 60 years ago. The ill-equipped army has the Herculean task of securing an area two-and-a-half times the size of France from different groups allied to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State and various militia groups -- some fighting for the government and others against it. At least 10 Malian soldiers were killed in an overnight ambush in a central region near the Mauritanian border where armed jihadist groups are rampant, security and local sources said Friday. It was the third time Malian security forces have suffered heavy losses since the military took power.

New Mali junta opens talks on transition to civilian rule

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup.

The junta had invited civic groups, political organisations and former rebels to consultations on Saturday, but said in a statement that the meeting was postponed to a later date.

A protest coalition that had campaigned against former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the June 5 Movement, had not been invited to participate in the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-junta-wants-military-rule-for-three-years-agrees-to-free-president-322652">Also read:&nbsp;Mali junta wants military rule for three years, agrees to free president</a>

The group has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which the military has promised, though without a timetable.

After an escalating series of mass protests, young army officers mutinied on August 18, seizing Keita and other leaders and declaring they now governed the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-african-leaders-add-to-pressure-on-mali-after-coup-322437">Also read:&nbsp;West African leaders add to pressure on Mali after coup</a>

The coup shocked Mali's West African neighbours and ally France, heightening worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise.

Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, said Friday that the new military rulers did not have "carte blanche".

His comments came as a new document published on the Malian government's Official Journal said the junta's head had been effectively invested with the powers of head of state.&nbsp;

West African leaders, meanwhile, on Friday demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months as they considered sanctions.

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup.

Mali military rulers said on Saturday they were postponing their first meeting over the transfer of powers due to "organisational reasons" nearly two weeks after ousting the president in a coup. The junta had invited civic groups, political organisations and former rebels to consultations on Saturday, but said in a statement that the meeting was postponed to a later date. A protest coalition that had campaigned against former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the June 5 Movement, had not been invited to participate in the meeting. Also read: Mali junta wants military rule for three years, agrees to free president The group has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which the military has promised, though without a timetable. After an escalating series of mass protests, young army officers mutinied on August 18, seizing Keita and other leaders and declaring they now governed the country. Also read: West African leaders add to pressure on Mali after coup The coup shocked Mali's West African neighbours and ally France, heightening worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise. Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, said Friday that the new military rulers did not have "carte blanche". His comments came as a new document published on the Malian government's Official Journal said the junta's head had been effectively invested with the powers of head of state. West African leaders, meanwhile, on Friday demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months as they considered sanctions.

Mali junta postpones first meeting over transfer of powers

The junta that seized power in Mali wants a military-led transitional body to rule for three years, and has accepted that ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita return home

Mali Junta wants military govt to rule for three years

The junta that seized power in Mali wants a military-led transitional body to rule for three years and has agreed to release ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a source in a visiting West African delegation said Sunday.

"The junta has affirmed that it wants a three-year transition to review the foundations of the Malian state. This transition will be directed by a body led by a soldier, who will also be head of state," a source in the ECOWAS delegation in capital Bamako told AFP.

"The government will also be predominantly composed of soldiers" under the junta's proposal, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The source added that the junta has agreed to "free president Keita", who has been detained along with other political leaders since the coup on Tuesday, and he "will be able to return to his home" in Bamako.

"And if he wants to travel abroad for treatment, that is not a problem," the ECOWAS source said.

Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, who has been detained with Keita at a military base outside the capital where the coup began, would be moved to a secure residence in the city, the source said.

A junta official confirmed to AFP the decisions on the fate of Keita and Cisse, as well as that "the three-year transition would have a military president and a government mostly composed of soldiers".

The coup followed months of protests calling for Keita to resign as public discontent with the government grew over the country's brutal Islamist insurgency and collapsing economy.

While it was met by international condemnation, thousands of opposition supporters celebrated the president's ouster in the streets of Bamako.

The junta has said it "completed the work" of the protesters and has vowed to stage elections "within a reasonable time".

However Mali's neighbours have called for Keita to be reinstated, saying the purpose of the visit by the delegation from the regional ECOWAS bloc was to help "ensure the immediate return of constitutional order".

Tuesday's coup was Mali's second in eight years, and has heightened concern over regional stability as its jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

The junta that seized power in Mali wants a military-led transitional body to rule for three years and has agreed to release ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a source in a visiting West African delegation said Sunday.

The junta that seized power in Mali wants a military-led transitional body to rule for three years and has agreed to release ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a source in a visiting West African delegation said Sunday. "The junta has affirmed that it wants a three-year transition to review the foundations of the Malian state. This transition will be directed by a body led by a soldier, who will also be head of state," a source in the ECOWAS delegation in capital Bamako told AFP. "The government will also be predominantly composed of soldiers" under the junta's proposal, the source said on condition of anonymity. The source added that the junta has agreed to "free president Keita", who has been detained along with other political leaders since the coup on Tuesday, and he "will be able to return to his home" in Bamako. "And if he wants to travel abroad for treatment, that is not a problem," the ECOWAS source said. Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, who has been detained with Keita at a military base outside the capital where the coup began, would be moved to a secure residence in the city, the source said. A junta official confirmed to AFP the decisions on the fate of Keita and Cisse, as well as that "the three-year transition would have a military president and a government mostly composed of soldiers". The coup followed months of protests calling for Keita to resign as public discontent with the government grew over the country's brutal Islamist insurgency and collapsing economy. While it was met by international condemnation, thousands of opposition supporters celebrated the president's ouster in the streets of Bamako. The junta has said it "completed the work" of the protesters and has vowed to stage elections "within a reasonable time". However Mali's neighbours have called for Keita to be reinstated, saying the purpose of the visit by the delegation from the regional ECOWAS bloc was to help "ensure the immediate return of constitutional order". Tuesday's coup was Mali's second in eight years, and has heightened concern over regional stability as its jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

Mali junta wants military rule for three years, agrees to free president

mali-junta

Mali Junta, News on Mali Junta, stories on Mali Junta, articles on Mali Junta, Mali Junta stories at Wion, Mali Junta news, Mali Junta latest news

mali junta