Foreign
By Paul Ejime
COL. Assimi Goita, leader of the August 2020 coup in Mali said Tuesday he took over leadership because the president of the transitional government and prime minister failed to consult him before the cabinet reshuffle announced on Monday.
Goita was vice-president of the transition government headed by retired Col Bah Ndaw and Moctar Ouane as Prime Minister.
The president, prime minister, and the defense minister were arrested and detained Monday at the Kati military base outside the Malian capital Bamako.
The UN, AU, and ECOWAS have called for the immediate and unconditional release of the three men.
Nigeria’s former president Goodluck Jonathan, the ECOWAS Chief mediator on the Mali crisis is expected in Bamako in an effort to end the escalating power tussle.
Goita said the 18-month transition was on course and that he acted in line with the charter announced after the August 2020 military takeover.
– May 26, 2021 @ 11:10 GMT
