BAMAKO (Reuters) – Gunfire was heard on Tuesday at an army base outside Mali’s capital Bamako in what diplomatic and security sources said was a myth, although it was not immediately clear how many soldiers were there.
Opposition groups called for a new military base in Kati, outside the capital, Bamako, on Independence Square in Bamako, Mali, on August 18, 2020. The sign reads: ‘Down with France and its governor. ‘REUTERS / Rey Byhre
Unconfirmed rumors that the mutineers have arrested President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Bamako soared, prompting hundreds of anti-government protesters to a central square to celebrate and saying it was time for him to resign.
The president’s office could not be reached for comment.
‘Yes, aunt. The army has taken up arms, “said a security source.
A Malian military spokesman confirmed that gunmen were shot at the base in Kati, about 15 km (9 miles) from the capital, but said he had no further information.
A Katini-based mutiny in 2012 led to a coup that killed then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and contributed to the fall of northern Mali to jihadist militants.
A European diplomat said a relatively small number of members of the National Guard, who were apparently angry by a payment operation, seized an ammunition depot on Tuesday, but were then reported to have been surrounded by other government troops.
A French military source said discussions were taking place between Mali’s army command and the deceivers.
In Bamako, hundreds of people marched in the square around the Independence Monument, the site of mass protests since June, and asked Keita to act on suspected corruption and strengthening security in central and northern Mali.
‘Whether he is arrested or not, what is certain is that his end is near. God loses our prayers. IBK is ready, ”said Haidara Assetou Cisse, a teacher, referring to the president through his initials.
AMERICAN CONCERN
Elsewhere in the capital, government ministry buildings were evacuated, an official said, and guns were heard at the prime minister’s office, according to a security source.
The offices of state television ORTM were also evacuated, said Kalifa Naman, a senior ORTM official. There have been no reports of a single attack on state TV, which aired pre-recorded programming.
A Bamako resident said armed men had access to two bridges over the Niger River in the city closed. It was not immediately clear who the armed men were.
The US envoy to the Sahel region of West Africa expressed concern over Tuesday’s developments in Mali.
“The US is against all unconstitutional changes by the government, whether it is by those on the street or by defense and security forces,” J. Peter Pham said on Twitter.
The French and Norwegian embassies in Bamako on Tuesday urged their citizens to stay at home.
“Due to serious unrest on the morning of August 18, in the city of Bamako, it is immediately recommended to stay home,” the French embassy said.
The ongoing protests against Keita represent Mali’s worst political crisis since the coup in 2012. At least 14 people were killed in the demonstrations, which drew tens of thousands of people in the streets of Bamako.
Regional forces are concerned that prolonged unrest by the protests could spark the fight against Islamist militants in the region, many of them in Mali. Their presence has made large areas of central and northern Mali ungovernable.
Keita had hoped concessions to opponents and recommendations from a mediating delegation of regional leaders would help stem the tide of discontent, but the protest leaders have rejected proposals to join a government with power-sharing.
Report by Tiemoko Diallo in Bamako and David Lewis; Additional reporting by Paul Lorgerie in Bamako, Aaron Ross in Dakar, Paul Carsten in Abuja, Tangi Salaün in Paris; Written by Aaron Ross; Edited by Alison Williams and Gareth Jones
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