Mali’s former coup leader takes power after president’s arrest

Colonel Assimi Goita says he acted after president and prime minister failed to consult him about a new government.

Mali’s interim vice president, Colonel Assimi Goita has said that he seized power after the transitional president and prime minister failed to consult him about the formation of a new government. “This kind of step testifies to the clear desire of the transitional president and prime minister to seek to breach the transitional charter,” he said on Tuesday, describing the pair’s actions as a “demonstrable intent to sabotage the transition”. Elections will be held next year as planned, he said.