Ousted President of Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has been released from detention and is now at his home, according to the junta ruling the country.
The soldiers who toppled his government promised to release him but restrain him to his residence.
Keita was arrested last week during the military takeover and then forced to resign as president.
The ousted president was released following negotiations with Ecowas mediators and other international organisations, including the African Union and European Union.
Keita “was freed this morning, (and) he has returned to his home”, a spokesman for the junta Djibrilla Maiga has said.
But there are no further details about Keita at the moment.
An official statement from the soldiers on Facebook said “The National Committee for the Salvation of the People set up by the military to lead the country, informs the national and international public opinion that former President Ibrahim Boubakar Keïta has been released and is currently at his residence.”
Captain Djibrila Maïga added that “President IBK is free of his movements, he is at home.”
Mali is facing growing isolation from global organizations following this month’s military coup.
The soldiers have failed to reach a deal with mediation teams from the regional bloc, Ecowas as they demand to stay in power for three years.
Ecowas has already suspended Mali over the coup and has demanded the immediate reinstatement of President Keita.
Last Friday thousands of Malians poured onto the streets to celebrate the overthrow of President Keita.
Source: Africafeeds.com
