Many Malians welcomed the overthrow of Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta
BAMAKO, Aug 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mali’s coup leaders say that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has been released from detention, and is at his home.
He was arrested during last week’s military takeover and hours later announced his resignation as president.
The coup came amid growing dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the economy and the jihadist conflict in the north.
It is not yet clear if the former president is restricted to his home.
Keïta’s release has been a key demand of Mali’s neighbours and international organisations, including the African Union and European Union.
West African mediators say the coup leaders want to stay in power for a three-year transition period. They had earlier said they were not interested in power.
West African mediators say the leaders of last week’s coup in Mali want to stay in power for a three-year transition period.
But the Ecowas team say they told the coup leaders that an interim government – headed by a civilian or retired military officer – should last for a year at the most.
The mediation team was led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
It is not yet clear if the issuing of sanctions and suspensions will have any impact on the coup leaders who initially said they were not interested in power. — NNN-AGENCIES
