Mali: President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and other officials detained by mutinying soldiers August 18 /update 1

Event

Local media sources report that mutinying soldiers detained President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse on Tuesday, August 18. The incident came after unrest broke out at the Kati military base outside Bamako on Tuesday morning, with reports suggesting that soldiers have rounded up a number of senior civilian as well as military officials. Unconfirmed reports stated that the officials are currently held at the Kati base. There have been no immediate reports of casualties due to the unrest.

Heightened security measures, as well as further unrest, is likely in Bamako and the surrounding areas in the near term.

Advice

Those in Bamako are advised to avoid unnecessary movement within the city in the immediate term and should shelter in place where possible. Monitor developments and heed any directives issued by local authorities.