Mali Mutiny: What is Known So Far?

A group of officers from the Malian armed forces has staged a mutiny at a key base near the capital Bamako, capturing the country’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse, and other senior officials.

This is what is known so far about an apparent coup attempt in the West African nation.

• Apart from Keita and Cisse, the president’s son, the Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as the foreign and finance ministers are reportedly among those who were detained.
• On Wednesday morning, President Keita announced his resignation, adding that he was dissolving parliament and dismissing the government.
• "I want no blood to be spilled to keep me in power. I would like at this precise moment, while thanking the Malian people for their support throughout these long years and the warmth of their affection, to tell you of my decision to relinquish my duties", he said.
• The statement came amid reports that the mutiny was led by deputy head of the Kati Base Colonel Malick Diaw along with General Sadio Camar.
• They established the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), which "decided to take responsibility before the people and history", according to Ismael Wague, the Malian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff.

The current mutiny comes against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis in the country, where opposition activists have repeatedly accused President Keita of failing to tackle Mali's economic meltdown, restore security, and fight corruption.