Mali’s military releases transitional prexy, PM

Saturday, May 29, 2021

In this file photo, retired Colonel Major Bah N'Daw (right) is sworn into the office of transitional president at a ceremony in Bamako, Mali. Mali's military has released the transitional president and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane from detention on Thursday after they resigned from their respective posts. APIn this file photo, retired Colonel Major Bah N'Daw (right) is sworn into the office of transitional president at a ceremony in Bamako, Mali. Mali's military has released the transitional president and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane from detention on Thursday after they resigned from their respective posts. AP

BAMAKO – Mali’s military has released the transitional president and prime minister (PM) from detention, a top officer said Thursday.

The release of President Bah N’Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane came after they resigned Wednesday in the presence of international arbitrators who were in the West African nation to mediate the political crisis, according to Maj. Baba Cisse.

“Indeed, the former president and former prime minister were released,” Cisse said.

The United Nations Security Council indicated the resignations were forced and demanded an immediate resumption of the civilian-led transitional government, saying after a closed meeting Wednesday that military personnel should return to their barracks.(AP)