Kidnapped Malian politician Soumaila Cisse, French aid worker Sophie Petronin and two Italians were freed Thursday after long periods in the hands of Islamist insurgents.

Kidnapped Mali politician, French aid worker and 2 Italians freed

Insurgency-hit Mali freed over 100 alleged or convicted jihadists over the weekend in a bid to secure the release of a top politician and French charity worker, an official in charge of the negotiations told AFP on Monday.

The rare mass release of prisoners, confirmed by a member of the security services, comes as an eight-year Islamist insurgency, that has claimed thousands of lives, continues to threaten the fragile West African country.

Soumaila Cisse, a 70-year-old former opposition leader and three-time presidential candidate, was abducted on March 25 while campaigning in his home region of Niafounke ahead of legislative elections.

Sophie Petronin, a French charity worker who is now 75, was abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2016, in the northern city of Gao. She is the last French national held hostage in the world.

The last video in which Petronin appeared was received in June 2018. She seemed tired and emaciated, and appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for help.&nbsp;

In another video in November 2018, in which she did not appear, her kidnappers said her health had deteriorated.

The jihadist prisoners were released in the central region of Niono and the northern region of Tessalit after arriving by plane, the negotiations source said.

A lawmaker in Tessalit, who also requested anonymity, confirmed to AFP that "large numbers of jihadist prisoners" arrived there on Sunday.

Petronin's son Sebastien Chadaud cautiously welcomed the news.

"We have to be attentive and remain very careful because if there are any attempts (to free them) we don't want to disrupt that," he said.

"It is too early to rejoice because we have lived through moments like this before."

Malian authorities suspect an Al-Qaeda-linked group in central Mali led by militant cleric Amadou Koufa is responsible for the kidnappings.&nbsp;

Mali is currently led by an interim government after a military junta overthrew president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August.

The kidnapping of former opposition leader Cisse was one of the factors that fuelled popular protests which led to the ouster of Keita over his perceived inability to tackle the jihadist insurgency.

Swathes of the vast and arid nation of 19 million already lie outside government control and the insurgency has inflamed ethnic tensions.

Keita officially opposed negotiations with jihadist groups but his government launched talks with some of them in February.

Covert negotiations have continued for a ceasefire and liberation of hostages, according to sources, with the military junta vowing in particular to secure Cisse's release.

Mali's former colonial ruler France has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region as part of its anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane.

A Canadian woman and her Italian partner kidnapped in Burkina Faso in 2018 were found in good health in the northwest of Mali in March after fleeing their captors.

Insurgency-hit Mali freed over 100 alleged or convicted jihadists over the weekend in a bid to secure the release of a top politician and French charity worker, an official in charge of the negotiations told AFP on Monday.

Insurgency-hit Mali freed over 100 alleged or convicted jihadists over the weekend in a bid to secure the release of a top politician and French charity worker, an official in charge of the negotiations told AFP on Monday. The rare mass release of prisoners, confirmed by a member of the security services, comes as an eight-year Islamist insurgency, that has claimed thousands of lives, continues to threaten the fragile West African country. Soumaila Cisse, a 70-year-old former opposition leader and three-time presidential candidate, was abducted on March 25 while campaigning in his home region of Niafounke ahead of legislative elections. Sophie Petronin, a French charity worker who is now 75, was abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2016, in the northern city of Gao. She is the last French national held hostage in the world. The last video in which Petronin appeared was received in June 2018. She seemed tired and emaciated, and appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for help. In another video in November 2018, in which she did not appear, her kidnappers said her health had deteriorated. The jihadist prisoners were released in the central region of Niono and the northern region of Tessalit after arriving by plane, the negotiations source said. A lawmaker in Tessalit, who also requested anonymity, confirmed to AFP that "large numbers of jihadist prisoners" arrived there on Sunday. Petronin's son Sebastien Chadaud cautiously welcomed the news. "We have to be attentive and remain very careful because if there are any attempts (to free them) we don't want to disrupt that," he said. "It is too early to rejoice because we have lived through moments like this before." Malian authorities suspect an Al-Qaeda-linked group in central Mali led by militant cleric Amadou Koufa is responsible for the kidnappings. Mali is currently led by an interim government after a military junta overthrew president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August. The kidnapping of former opposition leader Cisse was one of the factors that fuelled popular protests which led to the ouster of Keita over his perceived inability to tackle the jihadist insurgency. Swathes of the vast and arid nation of 19 million already lie outside government control and the insurgency has inflamed ethnic tensions. Keita officially opposed negotiations with jihadist groups but his government launched talks with some of them in February. Covert negotiations have continued for a ceasefire and liberation of hostages, according to sources, with the military junta vowing in particular to secure Cisse's release. Mali's former colonial ruler France has 5,100 soldiers deployed across the Sahel region as part of its anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane. A Canadian woman and her Italian partner kidnapped in Burkina Faso in 2018 were found in good health in the northwest of Mali in March after fleeing their captors.

Mali frees over 100 jihadists seeking hostage swap

Former Malian foreign minister Moctar Ouane has been named prime minister by the country's interim president Bah Ndaw, state television announced Sunday.

Ouane, 64, served as foreign minister between 2004 and 2011 during Amadou Toumani Toure's presidency.&nbsp;

The members of the new PM's government will be unveiled Tuesday, an officer from the military junta in power since Mali's August 18 coup told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Mali's neighbours in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had insisted that the junta name a civilian to the job of government chief after former colonel and defence minister Bah Ndaw was installed.

A civilian PM was the precondition for ECOWAS to lift sanctions it imposed two days after the coup removing president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which the junta claims inflicted no casualties.

Ndaw was sworn in Friday before Mali's supreme court with junta chief Colonel Assimi Goita as his deputy, placing Goita in charge of defence and security issues.

Former Malian foreign minister Moctar Ouane has been named prime minister by the country's interim president Bah Ndaw, state television announced Sunday. Ouane, 64, served as foreign minister between 2004 and 2011 during Amadou Toumani Toure's presidency.

Former Malian foreign minister Moctar Ouane has been named prime minister by the country's interim president Bah Ndaw, state television announced Sunday. Ouane, 64, served as foreign minister between 2004 and 2011 during Amadou Toumani Toure's presidency. The members of the new PM's government will be unveiled Tuesday, an officer from the military junta in power since Mali's August 18 coup told AFP on condition of anonymity. Mali's neighbours in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had insisted that the junta name a civilian to the job of government chief after former colonel and defence minister Bah Ndaw was installed. A civilian PM was the precondition for ECOWAS to lift sanctions it imposed two days after the coup removing president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which the junta claims inflicted no casualties. Ndaw was sworn in Friday before Mali's supreme court with junta chief Colonel Assimi Goita as his deputy, placing Goita in charge of defence and security issues.

Former Mali foreign minister Moctar Ouane named transitional premier

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's ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was hospitalised in the capital Bamako on Tuesday evening for an overdue check-up with his doctor, a source said, six days after he was released from detention by the country's new military leadership.

The junta allowed Keita, 75, to return home last Thursday in a attempt to court goodwill with regional states who imposed strict sanctions on the country following his overthrow on Aug. 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/mali-protest-movement-proposes-2-year-transition-to-civilian-rule-324128" hreflang="en">Mali protest movement proposes 2-year transition to civilian rule</a>

According to a deal struck with regional mediators, the junta agreed to allow Keita, who has ongoing health issues, to see his doctor, and if necessary, travel abroad for medical checks.

"He was indeed hospitalized last night for a check-up he should have done a month and a half ago and hadn't done," the source close to Keita's family said, declining to reveal the location of the clinic for security reasons.

In 2016 Keita had a benign tumour removed from his neck in Paris.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it will gradually lift sanctions if the country's new leaders transfer power to a civilian-led transitional government immediately and hold elections within a year.

The junta is currently consulting with Mali's political parties and civil society groups, and plan to hold a meeting on Saturday and Sunday with the various stakeholders to work out a transition plan.

Leaders of the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc will meet again on Monday to take stock on the progress to return Mali to civilian rule, and also decide whether to ease the sanctions.

Mali's ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was hospitalised in the capital Bamako on Tuesday evening for an overdue check-up with his doctor, a source said, six days after he was released from detention by the country's new military leadership.

Mali's ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was hospitalised in the capital Bamako on Tuesday evening for an overdue check-up with his doctor, a source said, six days after he was released from detention by the country's new military leadership. The junta allowed Keita, 75, to return home last Thursday in a attempt to court goodwill with regional states who imposed strict sanctions on the country following his overthrow on Aug. 18. Also read: Mali protest movement proposes 2-year transition to civilian rule According to a deal struck with regional mediators, the junta agreed to allow Keita, who has ongoing health issues, to see his doctor, and if necessary, travel abroad for medical checks. "He was indeed hospitalized last night for a check-up he should have done a month and a half ago and hadn't done," the source close to Keita's family said, declining to reveal the location of the clinic for security reasons. In 2016 Keita had a benign tumour removed from his neck in Paris. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it will gradually lift sanctions if the country's new leaders transfer power to a civilian-led transitional government immediately and hold elections within a year. The junta is currently consulting with Mali's political parties and civil society groups, and plan to hold a meeting on Saturday and Sunday with the various stakeholders to work out a transition plan. Leaders of the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc will meet again on Monday to take stock on the progress to return Mali to civilian rule, and also decide whether to ease the sanctions.

Ousted Mali president in hospital for checks, says source close to family

The protest coalition that campaigned against former Mali president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has proposed that the military junta that ousted him organise a transition to civilian rule within 24 months, one of its leaders said Sunday.

Military rulers received representatives of the June 5 Movement at the Kati barracks near Bamako late Saturday, after announcing they would postpone a meeting with civic groups, political organisations and former rebels on the transfer of power due to "organisational reasons".

The protest movement has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition, in keeping with its role in spearheading Keita's ouster.

It has proposed "a transition of 18 to 24 months" with civilians heading a transitional presidency, government and assembly, one of the movement's leaders, Choguel Maiga, told AFP.

It also called for "a committee to monitor and supervise the transition which will be composed of a majority of members of the junta and the (June 5 Movement)," he said.

The junta did not comment on the meeting.

The August 18 coup has prompted the West African country's neighbours and ally France to call for a swift transfer of power, amid heightened worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly told media Sunday that any delay in restoring civilian rule would benefit terrorists.

Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, warned Friday that the military rulers did not have "carte blanche".

Dicko's spokesman Issa Kaou Djim later expanded on this, saying the imam "said the people have started to doubt" the junta.

Within hours of taking control, the junta pledged to enact a political transition and stage elections within a "reasonable time".

Chief envoy of the regional bloc ECOWAS, former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, said last week that the coup leaders wanted a three-year transition period.

This was rejected by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States, which has demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months.

The protest coalition that campaigned against former Mali president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has proposed that the military junta that ousted him organise a transition to civilian rule within 24 months, one of its leaders said Sunday.

The protest coalition that campaigned against former Mali president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has proposed that the military junta that ousted him organise a transition to civilian rule within 24 months, one of its leaders said Sunday. Military rulers received representatives of the June 5 Movement at the Kati barracks near Bamako late Saturday, after announcing they would postpone a meeting with civic groups, political organisations and former rebels on the transfer of power due to "organisational reasons". The protest movement has demanded that the military junta give it a role in the transition, in keeping with its role in spearheading Keita's ouster. It has proposed "a transition of 18 to 24 months" with civilians heading a transitional presidency, government and assembly, one of the movement's leaders, Choguel Maiga, told AFP. It also called for "a committee to monitor and supervise the transition which will be composed of a majority of members of the junta and the (June 5 Movement)," he said. The junta did not comment on the meeting. The August 18 coup has prompted the West African country's neighbours and ally France to call for a swift transfer of power, amid heightened worries over instability in a country already struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic violence and economic malaise. French Defence Minister Florence Parly told media Sunday that any delay in restoring civilian rule would benefit terrorists. Mali's influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita's ouster, warned Friday that the military rulers did not have "carte blanche". Dicko's spokesman Issa Kaou Djim later expanded on this, saying the imam "said the people have started to doubt" the junta. Within hours of taking control, the junta pledged to enact a political transition and stage elections within a "reasonable time". Chief envoy of the regional bloc ECOWAS, former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, said last week that the coup leaders wanted a three-year transition period. This was rejected by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States, which has demanded an immediate civilian transition and elections within 12 months.

Mali protest movement proposes 2-year 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

West African leaders arrived in Mali on Saturday to try to push for a speedy return to civilian rule after a military coup in the troubled nation.

The delegation, headed by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, plans to meet members of the new junta as well as ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.&nbsp;

Rebel soldiers seized Keita and other leaders after a mutiny on Tuesday, dealing another deep blow to a country already struggling with a brutal Islamist insurgency and widespread public discontent over its government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coup-supporters-celebrate-presidents-downfall-in-malis-capital-322339" hreflang="en">Coup supporters celebrate president's downfall in Mali's capital</a>

Mali's neighbours have called for Keita to be reinstated, saying the purpose of the delegation's visit was to help "ensure the immediate return of constitutional order".

"ECOWAS appreciates what is happening in Mali and ECOWAS wants the best for the country," Jonathan said after his arrival.

"We're going to discuss with all stakeholders and I think at the end of the day we'll come out with something that is good for the country, good for ECOWAS and good for the international community."

But thousands of jubilant Malians took to the streets of Bamako on Friday to celebrate the toppling of Keita, who was reelected in 2018 but became the focus of widespread discontent.

The crowds gathered in Bamako's central square draped in the national flag and blasting on vuvuzela horns.

The rally, originally organised as an anti-Keita protest by a loose coalition that has led months of mass rallies against him, was recast to "celebrate the victory of the Malian people".

A delegation official said they would meet members of the junta and later Keita, who is being held with prime minister Boubou Cisse in Kati, a military base northwest of Bamako where the coup was unleashed.

Adding to the international pressure, the United States on Friday suspended military aid to Mali, with no further training or support of the Mali armed forces.

&nbsp;

West African leaders arrived in Mali on Saturday to try to push for a speedy return to civilian rule after a military coup in the troubled nation. The delegation, headed by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, plans to meet members of the new junta as well as ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

West African leaders arrived in Mali on Saturday to try to push for a speedy return to civilian rule after a military coup in the troubled nation. The delegation, headed by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, plans to meet members of the new junta as well as ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Rebel soldiers seized Keita and other leaders after a mutiny on Tuesday, dealing another deep blow to a country already struggling with a brutal Islamist insurgency and widespread public discontent over its government. Also read: Coup supporters celebrate president's downfall in Mali's capital Mali's neighbours have called for Keita to be reinstated, saying the purpose of the delegation's visit was to help "ensure the immediate return of constitutional order". "ECOWAS appreciates what is happening in Mali and ECOWAS wants the best for the country," Jonathan said after his arrival. "We're going to discuss with all stakeholders and I think at the end of the day we'll come out with something that is good for the country, good for ECOWAS and good for the international community." But thousands of jubilant Malians took to the streets of Bamako on Friday to celebrate the toppling of Keita, who was reelected in 2018 but became the focus of widespread discontent. The crowds gathered in Bamako's central square draped in the national flag and blasting on vuvuzela horns. The rally, originally organised as an anti-Keita protest by a loose coalition that has led months of mass rallies against him, was recast to "celebrate the victory of the Malian people". A delegation official said they would meet members of the junta and later Keita, who is being held with prime minister Boubou Cisse in Kati, a military base northwest of Bamako where the coup was unleashed. Adding to the international pressure, the United States on Friday suspended military aid to Mali, with no further training or support of the Mali armed forces.

West African leaders add to pressure on Mali after coup

Thousands marched on the streets of Mali's capital to celebrate the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, as the West African nation's political opposition backed the military’s junta plan to eventually hand over power to a civilian transitional government.

Thousands of Malians celebrated the coup in Bamako

Mali's new military junta said Thursday it would put in place a transitional government as its West Africa neighbours said they would dispatch envoys to help secure "the immediate return of constitutional order" and called for its ousted president to be restored to office.

Rebel soldiers seized power on Tuesday, detaining President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other officials in a fresh setback for a country battling chronic instability and a jihadist revolt.

"We are going to set in place a transitional council, with a transitional president who is going to be either military or civilian," junta spokesman Ismael Wague said in an interview with the TV channel France 24.

"We are in contact with civil society, opposition parties, the majority, everyone, to try to set the transition in place," he said, adding that the transition "will be the shortest possible".

The comments came after the regional bloc ECOWAS voiced its support for Keita and "constitutional order."

"We have decided to immediately send a high-level delegation in order to ensure the immediate return of constitutional order," Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou said at the end of a video summit Thursday.

Issoufou said that through talks, ECOWAS would "convey to the leaders of the military junta that the times of taking power by force are over in this region."

The coup is Mali's second in eight years.

A putsch in 2012 was followed by an insurrection in the north of the country which developed into a jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

Thousands of UN and French troops, along with soldiers from five Sahel countries, have been deployed to try to stem the bloodshed.

"Mali is in a critical situation, with serious risks that a collapse of the state and institutions leads to reversals in the fight against terrorism and organised crime, with every consequence for all our community," Issoufou warned.

Keita's overthrow culminated months-long protests in which ECOWAS -- the Economic Community of West African States -- had tried to play a mediating role.

The bloc proposed setting up a unity government including opposition representatives, but also stood firmly by the 75-year-old Keita. The package was bluntly rejected by the opposition.

In addition to the president and the prime minister, the military detained Defence Minister Ibrahima Dahirou Dembele; Security Minister M'Bemba Moussa Keita; and the president of the National Assembly, Moussa Timbine, according to various sources.

They also arrested army chief of staff General Abdoulaye Coulibaly; the president's personal chief of staff, General Oumar Dao; air force chief General Souleymane Doucoure; and the head of the National Guard, Ouahoun Kone.

The African Union, the European Union, United States and UN Security Council have all condemned the putsch and demanded the release of detained leaders.

Reports of deaths

Calling itself the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, under the leadership of a colonel named Assimi Goita, the junta vowed on Wednesday to stage elections within a "reasonable time" and respect "all past agreements," including international anti-jihadist missions.

It also urged citizens to return to normal life and warned against acts of vandalism after some buildings were torched.

Soldiers were stationed in Bamako Thursday in front of the administrative centre which houses most of the ministries.

Markets were open and Malians, who seemed to generally welcome the change of regime, went about their business as usual.

The junta said that the country's land and air borders -- closed after the coup -- would reopen on Friday.

Amnesty International joined calls for the immediate release of all those arrested during the coup and for an investigation into the reported deaths of four people during Tuesday's events.

The NGO said 15 others were wounded.

"All the victims were hit by bullets in unclear circumstances and were sent to the Gabriel Toure hospital in the capital Bamako," Samira Daoud, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa, said in a statement.

The junta has denied that there were any casualties during the mutiny.

ECOWAS comprises 15 members, including Mali, but within hours of Keita's overthrow, the group announced it was immediately suspending the country from its internal decision-making bodies.

That statement also called for the immediate release of Keita and other detained leaders, said its members would close land and air borders to Mali and threatened sanctions against the coup leaders.

It also requested an "immediate buildup" of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a multidisciplinary force of military, civilian and police personnel.

ECOWAS has intervened in several crises in West Africa, including in The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Public anger

Keita won election in a landslide in 2013, putting himself forward as a unifying figure in a fractured country.

He was re-elected in 2018, defeating Cisse.

But public anger snowballed over his failure to roll back a bloody jihadist revolt, mixing explosively with frustration at Mali's moribund economy and perceptions of government graft.

Mass protests began after long-delayed legislative elections in April were followed by a disputed outcome.

On Wednesday, the June 5 Movement, a broad coalition of protest groups, said it "took note of the (junta's) commitment" for a civilian transition.

It promised to work with it on "developing a roadmap," and said it planned to organise large rallies on Friday to "celebrate the victory of the Malian people".

Mali's new military junta said Thursday it would put in place a transitional government as its West Africa neighbours said they would dispatch envoys to help secure "the immediate return of constitutional order" and called for its ousted president to be restored to office.

Mali's new military junta said Thursday it would put in place a transitional government as its West Africa neighbours said they would dispatch envoys to help secure "the immediate return of constitutional order" and called for its ousted president to be restored to office. Rebel soldiers seized power on Tuesday, detaining President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other officials in a fresh setback for a country battling chronic instability and a jihadist revolt. "We are going to set in place a transitional council, with a transitional president who is going to be either military or civilian," junta spokesman Ismael Wague said in an interview with the TV channel France 24. "We are in contact with civil society, opposition parties, the majority, everyone, to try to set the transition in place," he said, adding that the transition "will be the shortest possible". The comments came after the regional bloc ECOWAS voiced its support for Keita and "constitutional order." "We have decided to immediately send a high-level delegation in order to ensure the immediate return of constitutional order," Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou said at the end of a video summit Thursday. Issoufou said that through talks, ECOWAS would "convey to the leaders of the military junta that the times of taking power by force are over in this region." The coup is Mali's second in eight years. A putsch in 2012 was followed by an insurrection in the north of the country which developed into a jihadist insurgency that now threatens neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. Thousands of UN and French troops, along with soldiers from five Sahel countries, have been deployed to try to stem the bloodshed. "Mali is in a critical situation, with serious risks that a collapse of the state and institutions leads to reversals in the fight against terrorism and organised crime, with every consequence for all our community," Issoufou warned. Keita's overthrow culminated months-long protests in which ECOWAS -- the Economic Community of West African States -- had tried to play a mediating role. The bloc proposed setting up a unity government including opposition representatives, but also stood firmly by the 75-year-old Keita. The package was bluntly rejected by the opposition. In addition to the president and the prime minister, the military detained Defence Minister Ibrahima Dahirou Dembele; Security Minister M'Bemba Moussa Keita; and the president of the National Assembly, Moussa Timbine, according to various sources. They also arrested army chief of staff General Abdoulaye Coulibaly; the president's personal chief of staff, General Oumar Dao; air force chief General Souleymane Doucoure; and the head of the National Guard, Ouahoun Kone. The African Union, the European Union, United States and UN Security Council have all condemned the putsch and demanded the release of detained leaders. Reports of deaths Calling itself the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, under the leadership of a colonel named Assimi Goita, the junta vowed on Wednesday to stage elections within a "reasonable time" and respect "all past agreements," including international anti-jihadist missions. It also urged citizens to return to normal life and warned against acts of vandalism after some buildings were torched. Soldiers were stationed in Bamako Thursday in front of the administrative centre which houses most of the ministries. Markets were open and Malians, who seemed to generally welcome the change of regime, went about their business as usual. The junta said that the country's land and air borders -- closed after the coup -- would reopen on Friday. Amnesty International joined calls for the immediate release of all those arrested during the coup and for an investigation into the reported deaths of four people during Tuesday's events. The NGO said 15 others were wounded. "All the victims were hit by bullets in unclear circumstances and were sent to the Gabriel Toure hospital in the capital Bamako," Samira Daoud, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa, said in a statement. The junta has denied that there were any casualties during the mutiny. ECOWAS comprises 15 members, including Mali, but within hours of Keita's overthrow, the group announced it was immediately suspending the country from its internal decision-making bodies. That statement also called for the immediate release of Keita and other detained leaders, said its members would close land and air borders to Mali and threatened sanctions against the coup leaders. It also requested an "immediate buildup" of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a multidisciplinary force of military, civilian and police personnel. ECOWAS has intervened in several crises in West Africa, including in The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Public anger Keita won election in a landslide in 2013, putting himself forward as a unifying figure in a fractured country. He was re-elected in 2018, defeating Cisse. But public anger snowballed over his failure to roll back a bloody jihadist revolt, mixing explosively with frustration at Mali's moribund economy and perceptions of government graft. Mass protests began after long-delayed legislative elections in April were followed by a disputed outcome. On Wednesday, the June 5 Movement, a broad coalition of protest groups, said it "took note of the (junta's) commitment" for a civilian transition. It promised to work with it on "developing a roadmap," and said it planned to organise large rallies on Friday to "celebrate the victory of the Malian people".

Mali junta plans 'transitional' govt as West African bloc stands by Ibrahim Boubacar Keita

One of Mali's most influential power brokers, Mahmoud Dicko, will withdraw from politics, his spokesman said, after a meeting on Wednesday with leaders of a military coup who have promised to oversee elections within a "reasonable" time.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned and dissolved parliament on Tuesday after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint, further rocking a country that is in the grip of a jihadist insurgency and civil unrest.

Fearing Keita's fall after nearly seven years in power could destabilise the Sahel region, the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) both suspended Mali.

The mood in the capital Bamako was calm throughout the day and junta leaders urged people and officials to return to life as normal. But the economic fallout from the coup started to appear as investors ditched shares in Mali-based gold mining companies and Ivory Coast halted financial flows.

The mutineers met Dicko, a Salafist preacher who electrified protesters during anti-Keita demonstrations in recent weeks that drew tens of thousands of people. 
After the meeting, a spokesman for Dicko said he had decided to withdraw from politics.

Although no further details were shared, the move suggests at least part of the opposition movement is satisfied with the coup orchestrators' promise to return to democratic practices.

A spokesman for the mutineers, who call themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (NCSP), earlier said they were not seeking power.

"We are keen on the stability of the country, which will allow us to organise general elections ... within a reasonable time limit," Colonel Ismael Wague said on state television.

In response, the M5-RFP opposition coalition said in a statement it had taken note of NCSP's commitment to the transferal of power via the ballot box and would work with the group to achieve this.

The mutineers have denied reports of casualties from Tuesday's unrest, but human rights group Amnesty International said it had documented the death of four people, while 15 more were wounded by bullets.

A Malian security source identified three of the other junta leaders who appeared alongside Wague as Colonels Sadio Camara, Malick Diaw and Modibo Kone. 
Wague described neighbouring armies, France's anti-jihadist Barkhane force and a UN peacekeeping mission as "partners for stability and restoring security".

STARK CHOICES

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council condemned the mutiny and urged the soldiers to release all government officials and return to their barracks. 
The 15-member council had earlier been briefed by UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who told them the UN's Mali mission "remains committed to playing its mandated role ... but the country must swiftly regain a measure of institutional stability and Constitutional order."

Michael Shurkin, a former CIA officer now with the Rand Corporation, said the upheaval risked distracting Malian forces from their fight against jihadists linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

"The UN, EUTM (European Union Training Mission) and French have spent billions. What now? Is the answer just to walk away?" he asked.

Mali has struggled to regain stability since a Tuareg uprising in 2012 that was hijacked by Islamist militants.

Keita, 75, was elected in 2013 following a coup the previous year, promising to bring peace and stability and fight corruption. He won a second five-year term in 2018. 
Following months of protests over corruption allegations, at least 14 people were killed in July in demonstrations called by the M5-RFP.

ECOWAS, which had sought to mediate between Keita and his opponents, said it planned to deploy a fresh mission to Mali to ensure a return to democracy and scheduled an extraordinary virtual session of heads of state for Thursday.

On Wednesday, the finance ministry of Ivory Coast - French-speaking West Africa's largest economy - ordered the suspension of all financial relations with Mali, in line with an ECOWAS decision in response to Tuesday's mutiny.

'HIS OWN FAULT'

Anti-government protesters had poured into Bamako late on Tuesday to cheer the mutineers.

"I am against coups, but they become necessary if leaders are inflexible. What happened to IBK (Keita) was his own fault," said 43-year-old motorcycle mechanic Namory Konate.

People and traffic circulated as normal on Wednesday, although many shops, banks and public buildings remained closed following looting. 
Videos on social media had shown Malians running unchecked through luxury compounds in the city, including properties belonging to the justice minister and Keita's son.

Gold mining firms, including Mali's largest miner Barrick Gold, said they were operating as usual and staff were safe, but traders sold shares because of the increased political risk.

One of Mali's most influential power brokers, Mahmoud Dicko, will withdraw from politics, his spokesman said, after a meeting on Wednesday with leaders of a military coup who have promised to oversee elections within a "reasonable" time.

One of Mali's most influential power brokers, Mahmoud Dicko, will withdraw from politics, his spokesman said, after a meeting on Wednesday with leaders of a military coup who have promised to oversee elections within a "reasonable" time. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned and dissolved parliament on Tuesday after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint, further rocking a country that is in the grip of a jihadist insurgency and civil unrest. Fearing Keita's fall after nearly seven years in power could destabilise the Sahel region, the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) both suspended Mali. The mood in the capital Bamako was calm throughout the day and junta leaders urged people and officials to return to life as normal. But the economic fallout from the coup started to appear as investors ditched shares in Mali-based gold mining companies and Ivory Coast halted financial flows. The mutineers met Dicko, a Salafist preacher who electrified protesters during anti-Keita demonstrations in recent weeks that drew tens of thousands of people. After the meeting, a spokesman for Dicko said he had decided to withdraw from politics. Although no further details were shared, the move suggests at least part of the opposition movement is satisfied with the coup orchestrators' promise to return to democratic practices. A spokesman for the mutineers, who call themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (NCSP), earlier said they were not seeking power. "We are keen on the stability of the country, which will allow us to organise general elections ... within a reasonable time limit," Colonel Ismael Wague said on state television. In response, the M5-RFP opposition coalition said in a statement it had taken note of NCSP's commitment to the transferal of power via the ballot box and would work with the group to achieve this. The mutineers have denied reports of casualties from Tuesday's unrest, but human rights group Amnesty International said it had documented the death of four people, while 15 more were wounded by bullets. A Malian security source identified three of the other junta leaders who appeared alongside Wague as Colonels Sadio Camara, Malick Diaw and Modibo Kone. Wague described neighbouring armies, France's anti-jihadist Barkhane force and a UN peacekeeping mission as "partners for stability and restoring security". STARK CHOICES On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council condemned the mutiny and urged the soldiers to release all government officials and return to their barracks. The 15-member council had earlier been briefed by UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who told them the UN's Mali mission "remains committed to playing its mandated role ... but the country must swiftly regain a measure of institutional stability and Constitutional order." Michael Shurkin, a former CIA officer now with the Rand Corporation, said the upheaval risked distracting Malian forces from their fight against jihadists linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. "The UN, EUTM (European Union Training Mission) and French have spent billions. What now? Is the answer just to walk away?" he asked. Mali has struggled to regain stability since a Tuareg uprising in 2012 that was hijacked by Islamist militants. Keita, 75, was elected in 2013 following a coup the previous year, promising to bring peace and stability and fight corruption. He won a second five-year term in 2018. Following months of protests over corruption allegations, at least 14 people were killed in July in demonstrations called by the M5-RFP. ECOWAS, which had sought to mediate between Keita and his opponents, said it planned to deploy a fresh mission to Mali to ensure a return to democracy and scheduled an extraordinary virtual session of heads of state for Thursday. On Wednesday, the finance ministry of Ivory Coast - French-speaking West Africa's largest economy - ordered the suspension of all financial relations with Mali, in line with an ECOWAS decision in response to Tuesday's mutiny. 'HIS OWN FAULT' Anti-government protesters had poured into Bamako late on Tuesday to cheer the mutineers. "I am against coups, but they become necessary if leaders are inflexible. What happened to IBK (Keita) was his own fault," said 43-year-old motorcycle mechanic Namory Konate. People and traffic circulated as normal on Wednesday, although many shops, banks and public buildings remained closed following looting. Videos on social media had shown Malians running unchecked through luxury compounds in the city, including properties belonging to the justice minister and Keita's son. Gold mining firms, including Mali's largest miner Barrick Gold, said they were operating as usual and staff were safe, but traders sold shares because of the increased political risk.

Mali protest leader steps back as coup leaders promise election

Two days after the military coup in Mali, now there is more clarity on who was behind his hostile takeover and what they hope to achieve from it. Watch report.

Military coup in Mali: African Union suspends Mali's membership

Mali's President Ibrahim Keita had to give up power as anti-government protests culminated in a military coup.

The president, the prime minister and the ruling elite are under detention. It is Mali's second military coup in less than 10 years, the last one was in 2012,&nbsp;both began at the same place at the garrison town of Kati.

On August 18, soldiers stormed a military base in Kati which is barely 15 kilometres away from capital Bamako. They arrested senior officers, lay siege to the armoury and rallied to the capital and by evening President Keita was detained.

"If today it pleased some elements of our armed forces to conclude that it should end with their intervention, do I really have a choice? I submit to it, because I do not wish any blood to be shed to keep me in power," the president said.

Now, Mali is a headless state - a country plunged into a crisis in the middle of Jihadist insurgency and mass protests. The streets of Bamako are full of armoured tanks and military vehicles. Military leaders have shut the borders and imposed a night-time curfew.

Mali has been locked in a political crisis since June with mass protests calling for Keita's resignation. There are multiple reasons for it - rigged election, corrupt government, sinking economy, growing jihadist insurgency and an army fighting over salaries.

Protesters and Opposition leaders back the army. The international community, however, has condemned the coup. The United Nations estimates that between 2016 and 2020, at least 4,000 people were killed in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Islamist groups operate out of central Mali and regularly launch attacks on countries in the Sahel region. An international coalition led by France has maintained presence to drive out fundamentalist forces. They have been&nbsp;been dethroned, but not defeated.

European leaders are worried about instability in Mali as it could fuel another wave of migration. So far, over a million people have fled their homes in west Africa. However, within Africa there is fear as central and west Africa are prone to political instability.&nbsp;

So, Mali's military coup could have a cascading effect as west African states have closed their borders and are mulling sanctions. 
&nbsp;

Mali's President Ibrahim Keita had to give up power as anti-government protests culminated in a military coup. The president, the prime minister and the ruling elite are under detention.

Mali's President Ibrahim Keita had to give up power as anti-government protests culminated in a military coup. The president, the prime minister and the ruling elite are under detention. It is Mali's second military coup in less than 10 years, the last one was in 2012, both began at the same place at the garrison town of Kati. On August 18, soldiers stormed a military base in Kati which is barely 15 kilometres away from capital Bamako. They arrested senior officers, lay siege to the armoury and rallied to the capital and by evening President Keita was detained. "If today it pleased some elements of our armed forces to conclude that it should end with their intervention, do I really have a choice? I submit to it, because I do not wish any blood to be shed to keep me in power," the president said. Now, Mali is a headless state - a country plunged into a crisis in the middle of Jihadist insurgency and mass protests. The streets of Bamako are full of armoured tanks and military vehicles. Military leaders have shut the borders and imposed a night-time curfew. Mali has been locked in a political crisis since June with mass protests calling for Keita's resignation. There are multiple reasons for it - rigged election, corrupt government, sinking economy, growing jihadist insurgency and an army fighting over salaries. Protesters and Opposition leaders back the army. The international community, however, has condemned the coup. The United Nations estimates that between 2016 and 2020, at least 4,000 people were killed in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Islamist groups operate out of central Mali and regularly launch attacks on countries in the Sahel region. An international coalition led by France has maintained presence to drive out fundamentalist forces. They have been been dethroned, but not defeated. European leaders are worried about instability in Mali as it could fuel another wave of migration. So far, over a million people have fled their homes in west Africa. However, within Africa there is fear as central and west Africa are prone to political instability. So, Mali's military coup could have a cascading effect as west African states have closed their borders and are mulling sanctions.

How anti-government protests led to a coup in Mali

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned on Tuesday and dissolved parliament hours after mutinying soldiers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis.

Looking tired and wearing a surgical mask, Keita resigned in a brief address broadcast on state television after troops seized him along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other top officials.

"If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?" he said from a military base in Kati outside the capital Bamako where he had been detained earlier in the day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-president-keita-detained-by-soldiers-report-321555" hreflang="en">Mali President Keita detained by soldiers: Report</a>

It was not immediately clear who was leading the revolt, who would govern in Keita's absence or what the mutineers wanted.

Images posted earlier on social media said to be taken at the Kati garrison showed Keita and Cisse surrounded by armed soldiers. Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the videos.

Mali has seen months of protests against alleged corruption and worsening security in the West African country where Islamist militants are active, and there have been calls for Keita to resign.

The M5-RFP coalition behind the protests signalled support for the mutineers' action, with spokesman Nouhoum Togo telling Reuters it was "not a military coup but a popular insurrection".

Hundreds of anti-government protesters poured into a central square in Bamako to celebrate and cheer the mutineers as they drove through in military vehicles and fired rounds of celebratory gunfire.

A mutiny in 2012 at the same Kati base led to a military coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and hastened the fall of Mali's north to jihadist militants.

French forces intervened the following year to beat them back. But the militants have since regrouped and expanded their influence into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, attacking soldiers, civilians and Western tourists.

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned on Tuesday and dissolved parliament hours after mutinying soldiers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis.

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned on Tuesday and dissolved parliament hours after mutinying soldiers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis. Looking tired and wearing a surgical mask, Keita resigned in a brief address broadcast on state television after troops seized him along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other top officials. "If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?" he said from a military base in Kati outside the capital Bamako where he had been detained earlier in the day. Also read: Mali President Keita detained by soldiers: Report It was not immediately clear who was leading the revolt, who would govern in Keita's absence or what the mutineers wanted. Images posted earlier on social media said to be taken at the Kati garrison showed Keita and Cisse surrounded by armed soldiers. Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the videos. Mali has seen months of protests against alleged corruption and worsening security in the West African country where Islamist militants are active, and there have been calls for Keita to resign. The M5-RFP coalition behind the protests signalled support for the mutineers' action, with spokesman Nouhoum Togo telling Reuters it was "not a military coup but a popular insurrection". Hundreds of anti-government protesters poured into a central square in Bamako to celebrate and cheer the mutineers as they drove through in military vehicles and fired rounds of celebratory gunfire. A mutiny in 2012 at the same Kati base led to a military coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and hastened the fall of Mali's north to jihadist militants. French forces intervened the following year to beat them back. But the militants have since regrouped and expanded their influence into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, attacking soldiers, civilians and Western tourists.

Mali president resigns after detention by military, deepening crisis

Months long anti-government protest in Mali has now culminated in a military coup but mutinous soldiers at the Garrison City. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta who is currently in military custody resigned on state television a short time back. Watch the WION report on Nigeria.

Military coup in Mali: President Keita resigns on state TV | Military leaders vow fresh election

Amid&nbsp;coup in the west&nbsp;African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals.

Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe. We sent them back after first indication of disturbance. Requested all Indians to stay home in view of developments."

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was removed after a mutiny by soldiers. The prime minister of the country has also been removed from office by the soldiers.&nbsp;

Around 250-300 Indians are present in the country. Most of them are in the retail business, mining, power and&nbsp;steel. &nbsp;

Ousted Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had visited India twice, once&nbsp;in 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and before that in 2015 to take part in the India-Africa Summit.&nbsp;

Amid coup in the west African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals. Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe.

Amid coup in the west African country of Mali, the Indian mission in Mali has advised caution for Indian nationals. Indian envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar To WION, "All embassy members are at home and safe. We sent them back after first indication of disturbance. Requested all Indians to stay home in view of developments." Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was removed after a mutiny by soldiers. The prime minister of the country has also been removed from office by the soldiers. Around 250-300 Indians are present in the country. Most of them are in the retail business, mining, power and steel. Ousted Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had visited India twice, once in 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and before that in 2015 to take part in the India-Africa Summit.

Indian mission in Mali advises caution for Indian citizens amid coup

WION Dispatch: Indian mission in Mali advises caution for Indian citizens amidst coup

Months long anti-government protest in Mali has now culminated in a military coup but mutinous soldiers at the Garrison City. Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta who is currently in military custody resigned on state television a short time back.

A military coup in Mali: Mali's President dissolve dafter coup | World News

Military coup in Mali: Months long protests culminate in a coup

Soldiers who ousted Mali's president and government in a military coup that drew condemnation abroad promised on Wednesday to restore stability and oversee a transition to elections within a "reasonable" time.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned and dissolved parliament late on Tuesday hours after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis.

It was still not clear early on Wednesday who was leading the revolt.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mali-president-resigns-after-detention-by-military-deepening-crisis-321586" hreflang="en">Mali president resigns after detention by military, deepening crisis</a>

But a spokesman for the mutineers, calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, said they acted to prevent Mali from falling further into chaos.

The coup was quickly condemned on Tuesday by Mali's regional and international partners, who fear Keita's fall could further destabilise the former French colony and West Africa's entire Sahel region.

Shates in two gold mining companies operating in the country fell sharply on Wednesday, as they sought to reassure investors that their operations were not affected.

Mutineers' spokesman Colonel Ismael Wague invited Mali's civil society and political movements to join them to create conditions for a political transition.

"Our country is sinking into chaos, anarchy and insecurity mostly due to the fault of the people who are in charge of its destiny," he said while flanked by soldiers in a statement broadcast on state-owned television.

"We are not keen on power, but we are keen on the stability of the country, which will allow us to organise general elections to allow Mali to equip itself with strong institutions within the reasonable time limit."

SIGNS OF LOOTING

Late on Tuesday, anti-government protesters had poured into a central square in Bamako to cheer the mutineers as they drove through in military vehicles.

The capital was far quieter early on Wednesday, with few civilians on the streets most shops in one residential area still closed amid evidence of overnight looting.

Videos circulating on social media showed Malians running unchecked through luxury compounds in the city, including properties identified as belonging to Justice Minister Kassoum Tapo and Keita's son Karim. It was not immediately possible for Reuters to authenticate the footage.

Landlocked Mali has struggled to regain stability since Tuareg uprising in 2012 which was hijacked by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda, and a subsequent coup in the capital plunged the country into chaos.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mali-president-keita-detained-by-soldiers-report-321555" hreflang="en">Mali President Keita detained by soldiers: Report</a>

Keita, 75, came to power in 2013 following the Bamako coup promising to bring peace and stability and fight corruption. He won reelection for a second five-year term in 2018.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, European Union Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton said the bloc would insist on new elections on Mali within a reasonable timeframe, while China said it opposed regime change by force&nbsp;

West Africa's 15-nation regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States had on Tuesday suspended Mali from its institutions, and closed its member states' borders with Mali.

Having previously warned it would no longer tolerate military coups in the region, the bloc plans to send a delegation to Mali to ensure a return to constitutional democracy.&nbsp;

Vincent Rouget, analyst at Control Risks Group, said the continued political uncertainty would "add to an already very high risk premium that people associate with Mali" and could pose risks for the country's mining industry in the future.

Shares in Australia's Resolute Mining &nbsp;were down 14% while London-listed Hummingbird Resources&nbsp;fell 8%. Both firms, along with Canadian peer B2Gold, said their Malian mines were operating as normal.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council will be briefed on Mali behind closed-doors on Wednesday at the request of France and Niger, diplomats said.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had on Tuesday called for the immediate release of Keita and other detainees.

Soldiers who ousted Mali's president and government in a military coup that drew condemnation abroad promised on Wednesday to restore stability and oversee a transition to elections within a "reasonable" time.

Soldiers who ousted Mali's president and government in a military coup that drew condemnation abroad promised on Wednesday to restore stability and oversee a transition to elections within a "reasonable" time. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resigned and dissolved parliament late on Tuesday hours after the mutineers detained him at gunpoint, plunging a country already facing a jihadist insurgency and mass protests deeper into crisis. It was still not clear early on Wednesday who was leading the revolt. Also read: Mali president resigns after detention by military, deepening crisis But a spokesman for the mutineers, calling themselves the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, said they acted to prevent Mali from falling further into chaos. The coup was quickly condemned on Tuesday by Mali's regional and international partners, who fear Keita's fall could further destabilise the former French colony and West Africa's entire Sahel region. Shates in two gold mining companies operating in the country fell sharply on Wednesday, as they sought to reassure investors that their operations were not affected. Mutineers' spokesman Colonel Ismael Wague invited Mali's civil society and political movements to join them to create conditions for a political transition. "Our country is sinking into chaos, anarchy and insecurity mostly due to the fault of the people who are in charge of its destiny," he said while flanked by soldiers in a statement broadcast on state-owned television. "We are not keen on power, but we are keen on the stability of the country, which will allow us to organise general elections to allow Mali to equip itself with strong institutions within the reasonable time limit." SIGNS OF LOOTING Late on Tuesday, anti-government protesters had poured into a central square in Bamako to cheer the mutineers as they drove through in military vehicles. The capital was far quieter early on Wednesday, with few civilians on the streets most shops in one residential area still closed amid evidence of overnight looting. Videos circulating on social media showed Malians running unchecked through luxury compounds in the city, including properties identified as belonging to Justice Minister Kassoum Tapo and Keita's son Karim. It was not immediately possible for Reuters to authenticate the footage. Landlocked Mali has struggled to regain stability since Tuareg uprising in 2012 which was hijacked by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda, and a subsequent coup in the capital plunged the country into chaos. Also read: Mali President Keita detained by soldiers: Report Keita, 75, came to power in 2013 following the Bamako coup promising to bring peace and stability and fight corruption. He won reelection for a second five-year term in 2018. On Wednesday, European Union Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton said the bloc would insist on new elections on Mali within a reasonable timeframe, while China said it opposed regime change by force West Africa's 15-nation regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States had on Tuesday suspended Mali from its institutions, and closed its member states' borders with Mali. Having previously warned it would no longer tolerate military coups in the region, the bloc plans to send a delegation to Mali to ensure a return to constitutional democracy. Vincent Rouget, analyst at Control Risks Group, said the continued political uncertainty would "add to an already very high risk premium that people associate with Mali" and could pose risks for the country's mining industry in the future. Shares in Australia's Resolute Mining were down 14% while London-listed Hummingbird Resources fell 8%. Both firms, along with Canadian peer B2Gold, said their Malian mines were operating as normal. The UN Security Council will be briefed on Mali behind closed-doors on Wednesday at the request of France and Niger, diplomats said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had on Tuesday called for the immediate release of Keita and other detainees.

Mali soldiers promise elections after coup condemned abroad

Mali&nbsp;President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was detained on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers in the capital Bamako, two security sources told Reuters.&nbsp;

Soldiers had earlier in the day rebelled&nbsp;at the Kati military base about 15 km (9 miles) outside of Bamako and rounded up a number of senior civilian and military officials.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/malian-ministers-high-ranking-officers-detained-in-apparent-mutiny-321497" hreflang="en">Malian ministers, high-ranking officers detained in apparent mutiny</a>

A spokesman for Keita could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

A mutiny in 2012 at the Kati base had led to a military coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and hastened the fall of&nbsp;Mali's north to jihadist militants, who continue to operate across the north and centre of the West African country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/gunfire-heard-at-mali-army-base-as-embassy-warns-of-possible-mutiny-321481" hreflang="en">Gunfire heard at Mali army base as embassy warns of possible mutiny</a>

Keita has faced mass protests since June calling for his resignation over alleged corruption and worsening security.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse issued a brief statement calling for dialogue and urging mutinous soldiers to stand down.&nbsp;

The United States, France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) all condemned the mutiny.

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was detained on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers in the capital Bamako, two security sources told Reuters. Soldiers had earlier in the day rebelled at the Kati military base about 15 km (9 miles) outside of Bamako and rounded up a number of senior civilian and military officials.

Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was detained on Tuesday by mutinying soldiers in the capital Bamako, two security sources told Reuters. Soldiers had earlier in the day rebelled at the Kati military base about 15 km (9 miles) outside of Bamako and rounded up a number of senior civilian and military officials. Also read: Malian ministers, high-ranking officers detained in apparent mutiny A spokesman for Keita could not be reached for comment. A mutiny in 2012 at the Kati base had led to a military coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and hastened the fall of Mali's north to jihadist militants, who continue to operate across the north and centre of the West African country. Also read: Gunfire heard at Mali army base as embassy warns of possible mutiny Keita has faced mass protests since June calling for his resignation over alleged corruption and worsening security. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse issued a brief statement calling for dialogue and urging mutinous soldiers to stand down. The United States, France and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) all condemned the mutiny.

Mali President Keita detained by soldiers: Report

A number of ministers and high-ranking officers in Mali have been detained during apparent mutiny at a military base outside the Malian capital Bamako, sources told Sputnik Tuesday. 
 
According to witnesses, intense gunfire was heard from the Kati military base outside Bamako, where mutiny has purportedly taken place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunfire-heard-at-mali-army-base-as-embassy-warns-of-possible-mutiny-321481" hreflang="en">Gunfire heard at Mali army base as embassy warns of possible mutiny</a> 
 
One of the sources told Sputnik that Foreign Minister Tiebile Drame and Economy and Finance Minister Abdoulaye Daffe were detained by rebels and transported to an unknown location. 
 
A military source told Sputnik that the "capital Bamako has been surrounded to prevent any rebellion that might take place." 
 
Bamako’s authorities ordered that official buildings and embassies be shut and employees go home as the government remains on alert for a wider coup attempt.

(More details awaited)

A number of ministers and high-ranking officers in Mali have been detained during apparent mutiny at a military base outside the Malian capital Bamako, sources told Sputnik Tuesday.

A number of ministers and high-ranking officers in Mali have been detained during apparent mutiny at a military base outside the Malian capital Bamako, sources told Sputnik Tuesday. According to witnesses, intense gunfire was heard from the Kati military base outside Bamako, where mutiny has purportedly taken place. Also read: Gunfire heard at Mali army base as embassy warns of possible mutiny One of the sources told Sputnik that Foreign Minister Tiebile Drame and Economy and Finance Minister Abdoulaye Daffe were detained by rebels and transported to an unknown location. A military source told Sputnik that the "capital Bamako has been surrounded to prevent any rebellion that might take place." Bamako’s authorities ordered that official buildings and embassies be shut and employees go home as the government remains on alert for a wider coup attempt. (More details awaited)

Malian ministers, high-ranking officers detained in apparent mutiny

Gunfire was heard on Tuesday at an army base outside Mail's capital Bamako as the Norwegian Embassy and a security source said a possible military mutiny was under way.&nbsp;

​Local residents and security sources said there was gunfire at the army base in Kati, about 15 km (9 miles) outside Bamako, where a mutiny in 2012 led to a coup d'etat, although it was not immediately clear who was firing at whom.

A source who handles security for non-governmental organisations in Mali said gunfire had also been heard near the prime minister's office.

"The embassy has been notified of a mutiny in the Armed Forces and troops are on their way to Bamako. Norwegians should exercise caution and preferably stay at home until the situation is clear," the Norwegian Embassy said in an alert to its citizens.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/eleven-killed-in-gun-and-bomb-attack-at-hotel-in-somalias-capital-mogadishu-321047" hreflang="en">Eleven killed in gun and bomb attack at hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu</a>

"Yes, mutiny. The military has taken up arms," a security source said.&nbsp;

A military spokesman confirmed that gunshots were fired at the base in Kati, but said he did not have any further information.

Opponents of the current president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, have led mass protests since June calling on Keita to resign over what they say are his failures to restore security and address corruption.

At least 14 people have been killed in the protests, according to the United Nations and human rights activists.

Regional powers are worried that any prolonged unrest from the protests could derail the fight against Islamist militants in the region, many of whom are centered in Mali. Their presence has rendered large areas of the centre and north of Mali ungovernable.

Keita had hoped that concessions to opponents and recommendations from a mediating delegation of regional leaders would help stem the tide of dissatisfaction.

In a message to its citizens on Thursday morning, the French Embassy in Bamako said: "Because of serious unrest this morning, Aug. 18, in the city of Bamako, it is immediately recommended to remain at home."&nbsp;

The 2012 mutiny at the base led to a coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and contributed to the fall of northern Mali to jihadist militants.

Gunfire was heard on Tuesday at an army base outside Mail's capital Bamako as the Norwegian Embassy and a security source said a possible military mutiny was under way.

Gunfire was heard on Tuesday at an army base outside Mail's capital Bamako as the Norwegian Embassy and a security source said a possible military mutiny was under way. Local residents and security sources said there was gunfire at the army base in Kati, about 15 km (9 miles) outside Bamako, where a mutiny in 2012 led to a coup d'etat, although it was not immediately clear who was firing at whom. A source who handles security for non-governmental organisations in Mali said gunfire had also been heard near the prime minister's office. "The embassy has been notified of a mutiny in the Armed Forces and troops are on their way to Bamako. Norwegians should exercise caution and preferably stay at home until the situation is clear," the Norwegian Embassy said in an alert to its citizens. Also read: Eleven killed in gun and bomb attack at hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu "Yes, mutiny. The military has taken up arms," a security source said. A military spokesman confirmed that gunshots were fired at the base in Kati, but said he did not have any further information. Opponents of the current president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, have led mass protests since June calling on Keita to resign over what they say are his failures to restore security and address corruption. At least 14 people have been killed in the protests, according to the United Nations and human rights activists. Regional powers are worried that any prolonged unrest from the protests could derail the fight against Islamist militants in the region, many of whom are centered in Mali. Their presence has rendered large areas of the centre and north of Mali ungovernable. Keita had hoped that concessions to opponents and recommendations from a mediating delegation of regional leaders would help stem the tide of dissatisfaction. In a message to its citizens on Thursday morning, the French Embassy in Bamako said: "Because of serious unrest this morning, Aug. 18, in the city of Bamako, it is immediately recommended to remain at home." The 2012 mutiny at the base led to a coup that toppled then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and contributed to the fall of northern Mali to jihadist militants.

Gunfire heard at Mali army base as embassy warns of possible mutiny

In Mali, a&nbsp;mosque is at the heart of the country's worst civil unrest in years. Over the weekend security forces launched&nbsp;several assaults. First, they fired gunshots in the air and then unleashed tear gas. Their objective was to kill imam&nbsp;Mahmoud Dicko who is the&nbsp;leading figure of the opposition movement.

The mosque was surrounded by spent bullet shells, rubble and the remains of torched tires. Six people were shot dead at the site while Dico managed to escape.&nbsp;Hundreds of opposition leaders have been detained. The capital Bamako is a scene of war and President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's forces are firing at will. The security forces have killed at least 11 protesters. The demonstrations first broke out on June 5th as people called for&nbsp;Keith's resignation.

They were angered by the long-running jihadist movement, economic woes and corruption. The parliamentary election turned peaceful protests into public outrage. A court overturned the results for about 30 seats. This move helped several members of Keita's party get elected, when in fact they had lost the election. The protests that followed put Keita under immense pressure. Protesters pelted the national assembly with rocks and shattered its glass facade. They also&nbsp;ransacked and set fire to parts of the building. Keita sent the security forces to restore peace, but the killings led to a surge in clashes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-malis-president-step-down-313104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now, to calm the protesters, Keita has dissolved the controversial court that ruled in his favour but the protest hasn't stopped. The movement has grown into something bigger. Religious, political and civil society leaders have come together, calling for wider reforms, starting with Keita's resignation.

The 75-year old president has been in power since 2013. He has struggled to contain an Islamist insurgency that first emerged in the north in 2012. It quickly spread across the country and to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. It is Keita's biggest failure as president.

Despite having the support of more than 13,000 international peacekeeping forces in Mali, more than 600 civilians have been killed this year alone.&nbsp;The militants have forced farmers off their land. The lack of food and fear of militant attacks has forced at least 250,000 people to flee their homes.

Over five million people will need aid to survive in the coming months. The political crisis is worsening the severe humanitarian crisis. International and regional blocs have condemned Keita's methods. Political turmoil in Mali could undermine the global campaign against Islamist insurgents in West Africa's Sahel region. So,&nbsp;it is not just the people who have lost faith in Keita. Now, the call for his resignation will only ring louder.

In Mali, a mosque is at the heart of the country's worst civil unrest in years. Over the weekend security forces launched several assaults. First, they fired gunshots in the air and then unleashed tear gas.

In Mali, a mosque is at the heart of the country's worst civil unrest in years. Over the weekend security forces launched several assaults. First, they fired gunshots in the air and then unleashed tear gas. Their objective was to kill imam Mahmoud Dicko who is the leading figure of the opposition movement. The mosque was surrounded by spent bullet shells, rubble and the remains of torched tires. Six people were shot dead at the site while Dico managed to escape. Hundreds of opposition leaders have been detained. The capital Bamako is a scene of war and President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's forces are firing at will. The security forces have killed at least 11 protesters. The demonstrations first broke out on June 5th as people called for Keith's resignation. They were angered by the long-running jihadist movement, economic woes and corruption. The parliamentary election turned peaceful protests into public outrage. A court overturned the results for about 30 seats. This move helped several members of Keita's party get elected, when in fact they had lost the election. The protests that followed put Keita under immense pressure. Protesters pelted the national assembly with rocks and shattered its glass facade. They also ransacked and set fire to parts of the building. Keita sent the security forces to restore peace, but the killings led to a surge in clashes. Now, to calm the protesters, Keita has dissolved the controversial court that ruled in his favour but the protest hasn't stopped. The movement has grown into something bigger. Religious, political and civil society leaders have come together, calling for wider reforms, starting with Keita's resignation. The 75-year old president has been in power since 2013. He has struggled to contain an Islamist insurgency that first emerged in the north in 2012. It quickly spread across the country and to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. It is Keita's biggest failure as president. Despite having the support of more than 13,000 international peacekeeping forces in Mali, more than 600 civilians have been killed this year alone. The militants have forced farmers off their land. The lack of food and fear of militant attacks has forced at least 250,000 people to flee their homes. Over five million people will need aid to survive in the coming months. The political crisis is worsening the severe humanitarian crisis. International and regional blocs have condemned Keita's methods. Political turmoil in Mali could undermine the global campaign against Islamist insurgents in West Africa's Sahel region. So, it is not just the people who have lost faith in Keita. Now, the call for his resignation will only ring louder.

Mali tense after deadly anti-government protests

The west African nation of Mali has been the victim of violent Jihadi uprisings since the year 2012. It has claimed thousands of lives in the country's north and central regions. Watch report.

Gruesome killing in a small and sleepy town Southern Mali | World News

Amid rising anti-government protests in the country,&nbsp;Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced the dissolution of the constitutional court on Saturday.

The decision came after the protestors in the country had been demanding resignation of the President over various allegations of corruption and for handling the country;s economy in a bad way.

The constitutional court had been the centre of debate almost for the pas three months after&nbsp;it overturned provisional results for a parliamentary poll, triggering protests in several cities in the African country's latest crisis.

"I have decided to repeal the licences of the remaining members of the constitutional court... this de facto dissolution of the court will enable us, from next week, to ask relevant authorities to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections," the president said in a television address.

The statement was issued after the&nbsp;Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse promised citizens to form an open government.&nbsp;"The president and I remain open to dialogue. I will very quickly set up an executive with the intention of being open to facing the challenges of the day," he said.

Amid rising anti-government protests in the country, Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced the dissolution of the constitutional court on Saturday.

Amid rising anti-government protests in the country, Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced the dissolution of the constitutional court on Saturday. The decision came after the protestors in the country had been demanding resignation of the President over various allegations of corruption and for handling the country;s economy in a bad way. The constitutional court had been the centre of debate almost for the pas three months after it overturned provisional results for a parliamentary poll, triggering protests in several cities in the African country's latest crisis. "I have decided to repeal the licences of the remaining members of the constitutional court... this de facto dissolution of the court will enable us, from next week, to ask relevant authorities to nominate new members so that the reformed court can quickly help us find solutions to the disputes arising from the legislative elections," the president said in a television address. The statement was issued after the Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse promised citizens to form an open government. "The president and I remain open to dialogue. I will very quickly set up an executive with the intention of being open to facing the challenges of the day," he said.

Mali President dissolves constitutional court; reformation process starts next week

Forty people, including nine soldiers, have been killed in a spate of attacks in central Mali, authorities said Friday, with most of the deaths caused by inter-ethnic violence in the deeply troubled region.

Thirty-one people were killed in an attack overnight in Ogossagou, a village mainly inhabited by Fulani people where 160 died last March in a massacre blamed on Dogon militiamen, the government said, raising the death toll.

About 30 gunmen carried out the new attack, village chief Aly Ousmane Barry told AFP.

"Huts and crops were set alight, livestock was burned or taken away," he added, vowing that the government would find the perpetrators.

A local government official, who requested anonymity, had earlier said that 28 people were missing.

He blamed the attack on a Dogon hunters' group -- an assertion that could be not be verified independently.

The official and village chief Aly Ousmane Barry both said the attackers moved in several hours after government troops had pulled out of the area.

Eight soldiers killed in ambush&nbsp;

Later Friday eight Mali soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in the central Gao region, the army said.

The Malian force also suffered "material damage," the military said on social media sites, without indicating who had carried out the attack in the village of Bentia.

Also on Friday a soldier was killed in an attack on a military camp in Mondoro, also in central Mali, security officials said.

The camp had already been hit before -- as part of a joint raid by militants that also targeted the military camp of Boulkessy near the border with Burkina Faso, killing at least 25 soldiers.

Central Mali became gripped by ethnic violence after a jihadist revolt broke out in the north of the country in 2012.

The insurgency has claimed thousands of lives and spread to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. &nbsp;

Tit-for-tat attacks in central Mali flared after Fulani people, also called Peul, became associated with jihadists.

Led by a firebrand Islamic preacher Amadou Koufa, a militia called the Katiba Macina recruited members from among the Fulani and has been accused of ethnically-motivated attacks.

Other ethnic groups such as the Bambara or the Dogon began to form self-defence groups that have been accused of reprisal massacres.

In addition to the latest attack at Ogossagou, 14 Fulani were killed in central Mali in January.

Around 75 Dogons were killed in the villages of Sobane Da, Gangafani and Yoro in June last year, in an attack blamed on Fulani militants.

'Epicentre' of violence

Human Rights Watch this month pointed to the ethnic patchwork of central Mali as the country's "epicentre" of violence.

It said over 450 civilians had been killed in the region in 2019, "the deadliest year for civilians" since the jihadist insurgency began.

Reflecting the chronic instability, Malian soldiers are themselves frequently targeted.

On January 26, Al-Qaeda-linked militants attacked a military camp in Sokolo, central Mali, killing 20 gendarmes and wounding five more.

The violence in central Mali coincides with renewed hopes that the fragile government can reassert control over the largely lawless north.

Troops returned on Thursday to Kidal, a northern town that had been a bastion of Tuareg rebels, after a six-year absence.

Regular forces returned to the town accompanied by former rebels who have been integrated into the army under a regional peace agreement.

The deal, reached in Algiers in 2015, is considered one of the few avenues Mali has for escaping the cycle of violence.

Forty people, including nine soldiers, have been killed in a spate of attacks in central Mali, authorities said Friday, with most of the deaths caused by inter-ethnic violence in the deeply troubled region.

Forty people, including nine soldiers, have been killed in a spate of attacks in central Mali, authorities said Friday, with most of the deaths caused by inter-ethnic violence in the deeply troubled region. Thirty-one people were killed in an attack overnight in Ogossagou, a village mainly inhabited by Fulani people where 160 died last March in a massacre blamed on Dogon militiamen, the government said, raising the death toll. About 30 gunmen carried out the new attack, village chief Aly Ousmane Barry told AFP. "Huts and crops were set alight, livestock was burned or taken away," he added, vowing that the government would find the perpetrators. A local government official, who requested anonymity, had earlier said that 28 people were missing. He blamed the attack on a Dogon hunters' group -- an assertion that could be not be verified independently. The official and village chief Aly Ousmane Barry both said the attackers moved in several hours after government troops had pulled out of the area. Eight soldiers killed in ambush Later Friday eight Mali soldiers were killed and four others injured in an ambush in the central Gao region, the army said. The Malian force also suffered "material damage," the military said on social media sites, without indicating who had carried out the attack in the village of Bentia. Also on Friday a soldier was killed in an attack on a military camp in Mondoro, also in central Mali, security officials said. The camp had already been hit before -- as part of a joint raid by militants that also targeted the military camp of Boulkessy near the border with Burkina Faso, killing at least 25 soldiers. Central Mali became gripped by ethnic violence after a jihadist revolt broke out in the north of the country in 2012. The insurgency has claimed thousands of lives and spread to neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. Tit-for-tat attacks in central Mali flared after Fulani people, also called Peul, became associated with jihadists. Led by a firebrand Islamic preacher Amadou Koufa, a militia called the Katiba Macina recruited members from among the Fulani and has been accused of ethnically-motivated attacks. Other ethnic groups such as the Bambara or the Dogon began to form self-defence groups that have been accused of reprisal massacres. In addition to the latest attack at Ogossagou, 14 Fulani were killed in central Mali in January. Around 75 Dogons were killed in the villages of Sobane Da, Gangafani and Yoro in June last year, in an attack blamed on Fulani militants. 'Epicentre' of violence Human Rights Watch this month pointed to the ethnic patchwork of central Mali as the country's "epicentre" of violence. It said over 450 civilians had been killed in the region in 2019, "the deadliest year for civilians" since the jihadist insurgency began. Reflecting the chronic instability, Malian soldiers are themselves frequently targeted. On January 26, Al-Qaeda-linked militants attacked a military camp in Sokolo, central Mali, killing 20 gendarmes and wounding five more. The violence in central Mali coincides with renewed hopes that the fragile government can reassert control over the largely lawless north. Troops returned on Thursday to Kidal, a northern town that had been a bastion of Tuareg rebels, after a six-year absence. Regular forces returned to the town accompanied by former rebels who have been integrated into the army under a regional peace agreement. The deal, reached in Algiers in 2015, is considered one of the few avenues Mali has for escaping the cycle of violence.

40 killed in attacks in restive central Mali

The fashion designer behind the Ikalook label is 34-year-old Namissa Thera whose artistic ambition is to bring back the 'Mali' into everyday smart wear.

The designer keeping Mali's women trendy and authentic

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-french-forces-neutralise-over-30-terrorists-in-mali-269492">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight.&nbsp;

The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed.

"[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti.

A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said.

"This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added.

Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations.

It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger.

The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa.

Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported. Earlier on Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight. The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed. "[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti. A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said. "This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added. Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations. It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger. The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa. Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement. (With inputs from agencies)

French army carries out first-ever drone strike during Mali operation

Talks on finding a political solution to Mali's deepening crisis ended Sunday with calls to hold new elections and revise the country's constitution, an AFP journalist said.

But the gathering notably did not urge dialogue with jihadists, who have been waging a bloody insurgency in the troubled West African country for seven years.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita convened the "national inclusive dialogue" on December 14 in a bid to regain momentum after a recent surge of ethnic and jihadist violence, although the talks were boycotted by most opposition groups.

Islamists have killed more than 140 Malian troops since September, in a widening insurgency that has also inflamed bloodshed between Fulani herders and sedentary farmers in the country's centre.

The jihadist attacks form part of a Sahel-wide insurgency which national armed forces, backed by 4,500 French troops and UN peacekeepers, are struggling to contain.&nbsp;

The failure to find a military solution to the violence has encouraged a feeling that dialogue with the jihadists is the way out of the crisis.

Keita made no reference to possible dialogue on Sunday, however, despite many delegates backing the option during this week's talks.&nbsp;

Both the government in the capital Bamako and former colonial power France have repeatedly ruled out dialogue with jihadists.

Keita said on Sunday that this week's talks were the "start of a long period during which we must bring about the rebirth of Mali".

"Our country cannot be a drunken ship," he said at a closing ceremony in Bamako attended by some 3,000 people.

The talks were in part meant to reconcile a divided political class in Mali.&nbsp;

But in a display of how deep the fracture runs, most opposition groups in the country snubbed the exercise, an AFP journalist said, citing distrust of Keita.

However, some did attend, including the Coordination of Azawad Movements, an alliance of rebel groups that signed a peace agreement with Bamako in 2015.

The talks concluded with recommendations to hold legislative elections before May 2020, and a referendum on revising the constitution.&nbsp;

A 2017 proposal to reform the constitution to deliver more decentralisation has been blocked by opposition parties in parliament.

Talks on finding a political solution to Mali's deepening crisis ended Sunday with calls to hold new elections and revise the country's constitution, an AFP journalist said.

Talks on finding a political solution to Mali's deepening crisis ended Sunday with calls to hold new elections and revise the country's constitution, an AFP journalist said. But the gathering notably did not urge dialogue with jihadists, who have been waging a bloody insurgency in the troubled West African country for seven years. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita convened the "national inclusive dialogue" on December 14 in a bid to regain momentum after a recent surge of ethnic and jihadist violence, although the talks were boycotted by most opposition groups. Islamists have killed more than 140 Malian troops since September, in a widening insurgency that has also inflamed bloodshed between Fulani herders and sedentary farmers in the country's centre. The jihadist attacks form part of a Sahel-wide insurgency which national armed forces, backed by 4,500 French troops and UN peacekeepers, are struggling to contain. The failure to find a military solution to the violence has encouraged a feeling that dialogue with the jihadists is the way out of the crisis. Keita made no reference to possible dialogue on Sunday, however, despite many delegates backing the option during this week's talks. Both the government in the capital Bamako and former colonial power France have repeatedly ruled out dialogue with jihadists. Keita said on Sunday that this week's talks were the "start of a long period during which we must bring about the rebirth of Mali". "Our country cannot be a drunken ship," he said at a closing ceremony in Bamako attended by some 3,000 people. The talks were in part meant to reconcile a divided political class in Mali. But in a display of how deep the fracture runs, most opposition groups in the country snubbed the exercise, an AFP journalist said, citing distrust of Keita. However, some did attend, including the Coordination of Azawad Movements, an alliance of rebel groups that signed a peace agreement with Bamako in 2015. The talks concluded with recommendations to hold legislative elections before May 2020, and a referendum on revising the constitution. A 2017 proposal to reform the constitution to deliver more decentralisation has been blocked by opposition parties in parliament.

Mali crisis talks end urging new elections and constitution

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