A team from the UN
Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has visited
President Ibrahim Keita and other government officials who were arrested and
detained by soldiers.
A coup by mutinying soldiers on
Tuesday led to the resignation of Keita hours after he was arrested with some
other high-ranking officials.
The coup leaders, who identified
themselves as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, later
declared their intention to form a civilian transitional government and
promised “a reasonable timeline” for holding new elections.
On his third day in detention,
Keita received some UN officials at a location outside Bamako, capital of the
country, where he is being held alongside Boubou Cissé, former prime minister.
According to Radio France
International, the 75-year-old ousted leader, who “looked tired but relaxed”
has no access to TV, radio or phone.
The other detainees are
reportedly being held at a training centre, where they are sleeping on
mattresses and watching television, according to witnesses.
A member of the junta, who
reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying a UN human
rights mission team was allowed to visit all 19 prisoners, including Keita and
Cisse.
The source added that the junta
had released Abdoulaye Daffe, former economy minister, and Sabane Mahalmoudou,
Keita’s private secretary.
“Two prisoners have been
released. There are still 17 in Kati. This is the proof that we respect human
rights,” the junta member said.
On Wednesday, Assimi Goita, a
colonel in the Malian army, declared himself head of the group after a meeting
with top civil servants.
The Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the European Union, and some other
world leaders have condemned the coup, calling for the release of Keita and the
detainees.
A delegation, led by ex-President
Goodluck Jonathan from ECOWAS, is said to be expected to arrive soon in Bamako
with the plans “to negotiate the immediate release of the president and also
ensure the restoration of constitutional government.”
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