President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday virtually joined other West African leaders to discuss the military coup in Mali.

“The Authority of Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold an extraordinary summit on the socio-political situation in Mali on Thursday,” the regional body said in a statement on Wednesday.

Malian army officer, Colonel Assimi Goita on Wednesday announced himself as the coup leader.

The AU joined other international bodies and countries, including the US and European Union, to condemn the coup and demand the release of the detained leaders.

Former President Ibrahim Keita had faced growing criticism over his handling of  relentless Islamic insurgency which had engulfed the country.