Mali: Heightened security presence likely in Bamako after arrest of key interim government figures in possible coup attempt May 24 /update 1

Event

Armed military officers reportedly arrested the Malian interim government's Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, President Bah N'Daw, and defense minister Souleymane Doucoure in a possible coup d'etat attempt on May 24. The arrests came after Ouane announced earlier the same day that two colonels who were instrumental in the junta that took power in August 2020 would be replaced in a cabinet reshuffle. The armed individuals reportedly took the men to a military base in Kati, a bastion of the junta located north of Bamako.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that flights are still operating at Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) despite a heightened military presence. Further details regarding the incident were not immediately released and the situation in Bamako generally remains unclear as of late May 24.

A heightened military security presence and transport disruptions are likely in Bamako over the coming hours and days.

Context

A transitional administration has governed Mali since the August 2020 coup d'etat that toppled then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The country's political environment remains extremely tense due to ongoing political infighting related to the transition to civilian rule and the country's poor security situation in its north and central provinces.

Advice

Shelter in place until the situation becomes clear. Prepare for potentially extended disruptions.