Mali’s President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has resigned from office under duress from mutinying soldiers who yesterday, seized him from his home and took him to a location outside the capital, Bamako. He also announced the dissolution of his government.

President Keita and the Prime Minister, Boubou Cisse were were jointly arrested by the soldiers and driven to a military base in the little town of Kati which is only some 50 kilometres from Bamako. The military putsch followed weeks of political upheaval in Mali with the legitimacy of the President greatly challenged.

The National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), as the coupists called themselves,has made a broadcast to the country. Their leader who is also Deputy Chief of Staff of the Malian Airforce said in the broadcast:

“We decided to take responsibility in front of the people and of history. We are not holding on to power but we are holding on to the stability of the country.

“With you, standing as one, we can restore this country to its former greatness.”

Wague also announce the closure of all of the countries  borders  and the imposition of a curfew would go into effect from 9pm to 5am.

“This will allow us to organize within an agreed reasonable time frame, general elections to equip Mali with strong institutions, which are able to better manage our everyday lives and restore confidence between the government and the governed.”

Keita announced his decision to step down in a brief address on national broadcaster ORTM at around midnight. He also declared the dissolution of his government and the National Assembly. He said:

“If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?”

“I wish no blood to be shed to keep me in power. I have decided to step down from office.”

France and other international powers as well as the African Union have denounced the mutiny.

Keita had faced growing criticism of how his government has handled the relentless Islamic insurgency engulfing the country.