Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has resigned, after being detained by soldiers on Tuesday,

In a televised address, Mr Keïta said he was also dissolving the government and parliament.

"I want no blood to be spilled to keep me in power," he added.

It comes hours after he and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé were taken to a military camp near the capital Bamako, drawing condemnation from regional powers and France.

"If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?" said Mr Keïta.

"I hold no hatred towards anyone, my love of my country does not allow me to," he added. "May God save us."

Earlier, the mutinying soldiers took control of the Kati camp.

There has been anger among troops about pay and over a continuing conflict with jihadists - as well as widespread discontent with the former president.

Mr Keïta won a second term in elections in 2018, but there has been anger over corruption, the mismanagement of the economy and the rise of communal violence in areas of the country.

It has prompted several large protests in recent months. A new opposition coalition led by the conservative Imam, Mahmoud Dicko, has called for reforms after rejecting concessions from Mr Keïta, including the formation of a unity government.

It was led by Col Malick Diaw - deputy head of the Kati camp - and another commander, Gen Sadio Camara.

After taking over the camp, about 15km (nine miles) from Bamako, the mutineers marched on the capital, where they were cheered by crowds who had gathered to demand Mr Keïta's resignation.

On Tuesday afternoon they stormed his residence and arrested the president and his prime minister - who were both there.

The president's son, the speaker of the National Assembly, the foreign and finance ministers were reported to be among the other officials detained.

The number of soldiers taking part in the mutiny is unclear.

Kati camp was also the focus of a mutiny in 2012 by soldiers angry at the inability of the senior commanders to stop jihadists and Tuareg rebels taking control of northern Mali.

jerseyboy:
So much for Badluck Jonathan and Buhari's peace efforts

jerseyboy:
So much for Badluck Jonathan and Buhari's peace efforts

Bluntguy:
So like this now military regime is back in Africa, and West Africa for that matter. Worst of all, now that the Nigerian army is no longer Nigerian army. Who will come to the rescue?

Possiblegee:
Marlians don take over


On the other news nothing Yoruba people nor go put pepper imagine then day put pepper for inside egg again Abeg shay den swear for then with pepper add more pepper

Possiblegee:
Marlians don take over


On the other news nothing Yoruba people nor go put pepper imagine then day put pepper for inside egg again Abeg shay den swear for then with pepper add more pepper

22soros:
make Naira Marley go there go become President, after all na him people them

Mcreloaded:


Monitoring the situation here live at Bamako I can authoritatively tell you the military frantically searching for a political solution. France and Ecowas and other countries have all agreed to deal with the coup plotters by placing sanctions on them.

The only option is for the coup plotters to bring in a semblance of civilian government and fresh elections must be conducted within a few months time for peace to reign.

Mcreloaded:


Monitoring the situation here live at Bamako I can authoritatively tell you the military frantically searching for a political solution. France and Ecowas and other countries have all agreed to deal with the coup plotters by placing sanctions on them.

The only option is for the coup plotters to bring in a semblance of civilian government and fresh elections must be conducted within a few months time for peace to reign.

Ogegeodey:
He must have done it under duress

Bluntguy:
So like this now military regime is back in Africa, and West Africa for that matter. Worst of all, now that the Nigerian army is no longer Nigerian army. Who will come to the rescue?

Obidon1:
African are still backwards

Obidon1:
African are still backwards

SIONKPO1:

Watch your words

It comes hours after he and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé were taken to a military camp near the capital Bamako, drawing condemnation from regional powers and France.

"If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?" said Mr Keïta.

"I hold no hatred towards anyone, my love of my country does not allow me to," he added. "May God save us."

Earlier, the mutinying soldiers took control of the Kati camp.