Mali’s President resigns and dissolves parliament

 Mutinous soldiers surrounded the private residence of Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Tuesday, firing shots into the air and deepening fears of a coup attempt following several months of demonstrations calling for his resignation.

The unrest kicked off earlier in the day in the garrison town of Kati, where the previous coup had originated under similar circumstances eight years earlier. The soldiers took weapons from the armory at the barracks, and then detained senior military officers.

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Anti-government protesters cheered the soldiers’ actions, some setting fire to a building that belongs to Mali’s justice minister.

President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has resigned, after being detained by soldiers on Tuesday, state TV reports.

In a televised address, Mr Keïta said he was also dissolving the government and parliament.

“I want no blood to be spilled to keep me in power,” he added.

It comes hours after he and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé were taken to a military camp near the capital Bamako, drawing condemnation from regional powers and France.

“If today, certain elements of our armed forces want this to end through their intervention, do I really have a choice?” said Mr Keïta.

Earlier, the mutinying soldiers took control of the Kati camp.

There has been anger among troops about pay and over a continuing conflict with jihadists – as well as widespread discontent with the former president.