Mali Interim Leaders Kidnapped, Attempted Coup Condemned By World Leaders

The situation in Mali is far from settled and reports have now come out that two of the country’s leaders have been kidnapped. Malian interim President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were arrested by the military on Monday, a move that drew condemnation from the international community. Aside from the two, Defense Minister Souleymane Doucore was also arrested.

The abducted individuals were reportedly taken to a Kati military base near Mali’s capital, Bamako. This developed not long after two members lost their positions in a cabinet reshuffling.

This developed as protesters gathered at the Independence square denouncing the coup. Although the group do not support the president and the prime minister and were never in line with the transition, the protesters stressed that they want to give these officials a chance.

"People who are paid by our taxes to take care of our security — at a time when two-thirds of our country is in the hands of jihadis and rebels — these people are fighting for ministerial seats," Malick Diallo said.

Upon learning of the abduction, the move did not sit well with the International community. The UN, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the move and called for the leaders to be released.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply concerned about the development and called on calm as one of his representatives worked closely with ECOWAS and other groups backing the political transition.

These developments are the latest in Mali following the ouster of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He was forced to resign in August 2020 and an interim government led by N’Daw took over in September. The interim government, which is set to govern the country for 18 months, is tasked with implementing reforms and eventually holding elections.