Mali's president, prime minister resign under detention

By Aurore Bonny

LOME, Togo (AA) – President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane of Mali’s transitional government, who are under detention at a military camp, announced their resignations Wednesday, local media said.

Both leaders were transported late Monday by force to the Kati military camp – the junta's stronghold, after the appointment of a new government.

Vice President Assimi Goita confirmed Tuesday that he sponsored the operation. He announced that he withdrew the prerogatives of Ouane and N'Daw, and the military accused the men of "sabotaging" the transition.

“This Wednesday morning, Bah N'Daw presented his resignation to Vice President Assimi Goïta in the presence of the delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),” reported the Malian online newspaper Malijet, quoting sources.

“Without giving details, the same sources say that negotiations are underway for the release of those arrested and the formation of a new government,” Maliweb, a local news website, also reported Wednesday.

The Malian vice-president also criticized his comrades in power for appointing a new government on May 25 without consulting him. He believes that the prime minister, who was reappointed after a recent resignation, is unable to carry out his duties.

The international community condemned the detention of the president, prime minister and other transitional authorities, stating that it "rejects in advance any act of coercion, including forced resignations.”

Mali has experienced multiple coups and is currently in transition following the overthrow of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita by the same military junta in August 2020.

Goita wants "to help the country to regain its dignity. It is just to rectify the situation and move forward with the transition," according to Issa Kaou Djim, a member of the National Council of Transition, who spoke to Anadolu Agency Tuesday.

"We were all aware that we are in a deadlock. The proof is that everyone is calm in [the capital] Bamako and people have understood the need. The prime minister has failed, unfortunately, together with the president. They have set themselves up against the people to impose an agenda from elsewhere,” he said.