Ousted Mali ex-president Keïta released

Former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has been released, after being held hostage for days following the hijack of power by Junta NCSP.

He is now back at his private residence in the Sebenikoro neighbourhood after being freed on Thursday by the junta – now going by The National Committee for the Salvation, who staged a coup d’état to have him step down from power last week and consequently detained him along with prime minister Boubou Cissé at a military base in Kita.

An official statement published on the NCSP Facebook page reads, “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.”

In addition, the group’s spokesperson, Captain Djibrila Maïga declared, “President IBK is free of his movements, he is at home.”

The United Nations, along with The Economic Community of West African States — chaired by the president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, had called for the safe release of the ex-president last week, placing the responsibility of the ex-president’s security and safety in the hands of the coup leaders.