Mali's President Keita Resigns, Dissolve Parliament
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced his resignation hours after he and the Prime Minister, Boubou Cissé were reportedly arrested by mutinous soldiers in a suspected coup.
In a televised address, Keïta, who stated that he doesn’t want any blood to be spilt to keep him in power, also dissolved the parliament.
Mr Keïta, who won a second term in elections in 2018 said he holds no hatred towards anyone, as he further stated that he tried to put the country back on its feet for seven years.
It was gathered that there has been anger over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections.
Also, there has been anger among troops about pay and over a continuing conflict with jihadists as well as widespread discontent with the former president.
The anger has prompted several large protests in recent months which resulted in a call for reformation by a new opposition coalition led by the conservative Imam, Mahmoud Dicko.
Before his resignation, Keita served as President from 2013 to August 2020, served as the country’s Prime Minister from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007.