MALI: CNSP MILITARY JUNTA RELEASES FORMER PRESIDENT IBRAHIM BOUBACAR A DAY BEFORE ECOWAS SUMMIT
The National Committee for the Salvation of the People has released former Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, the CNSP announced on Thursday.
President Ibrahim Keita was arrested along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and some other top government and military officials by mutinying soldiers on Tuesday, August 18 following a successful coup in Mali.
Hours after his arrest, President Keita announced his resignation from power on national television, adding that he did not want any Malian’s blood to be shed unnecessarily.
During a chat with the ECOWAS team that visited Keita in Mali, Keita told the ECOWAS delegation that he had wanted to resign before the coup and he had no intention to lead Mali anymore.
The former Malian President’s release is coming a day before the ECOWAS virtual meeting where the Mali coup, including the issue of sanctions imposed on Mali, would be discussed.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has said the priority in the Republic of Mali should be securing the country, which is largely occupied by terrorists.
Speaking after receiving briefings by the ECOWAS team in Mali, Buhari said: “terrorists occupy about two-thirds of Mali, and it makes common sense to secure the country, rather than pursuing individual interests.”
Comments