Is Mali under a military coup?

A military spokesman in Mali has confirmed that shots have been fired inside an army base near the capital, Bamako.

DW has also reported that a military coup seems to be underway in the country which has remained divided by political crisis, with Colonel Sadio Camara as leader.

The Norwegian embassy says it has received information that troops are on their way to the capital and the French embassy has advised people to stay at home.

There are also reports that authorities have been abducted.

This is happening amid increased pressure from the opposition for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta to step down.

Earlier this month, Mali’s Prime Minister Boubou Cisse insisted that President’s Keita’s current mandate must run to an end and that, resigning was not an option.

Cisse also said the opposition and government were in talks to end the ongoing crisis in the country after ECOWAS’ special missions to Bamako, Mali.

MMI