UN joins in global condemnation of military takeover in Mali

The leaders of Tuesday’s military coup in Mali have had talks with opposition leaders who have welcomed the ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

They blamed him for failing to stop a jihadist insurgency and the country’s economic failure.

The opposition coalition said it noted the commitment by the soldiers to move towards a civilian transitional government.

An army colonel, Assimi Goita, has emerged as the new military leader.

He has urged civil servants to return to work.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has joined global condemnation of the military takeover in Mali, which saw president Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta forced to resign.

The UN’s Security Council echoed similar calls by regional bodies for the immediate release of all government officials and the restoration of constitutional order.

The soldiers said they acted to prevent the country falling into further chaos.

They say they will set up a civilian government and hold new elections.

Mali, a vast country stretching into the Sahara desert, is among the poorest in the world and has experienced several military takeovers.

It is currently battling to contain a wave of jihadist attacks and ethnic violence.