BAMAKO,
Mali
Gunfire was heard at an army base near Mali's capital Bamako on Tuesday, sparking fears of a possible mutiny in the conflict-torn country.
According to nearby witnesses, soldiers fired
gunshots into the air at a military base in Kati, a town 15 kilometers (nine
miles) from Bamako, though it remained unclear who was firing at whom.
The Norwegian Embassy gave a clear message to
its citizens: "The embassy has been notified of a mutiny in the Armed
Forces and troops are on their way to Bamako. Norwegians should exercise
caution and preferably stay at home until the situation is clear."
Sources told DW that the leader of the coup
could be Colonel Sadio Camara. DW also learned that several high-ranking
politicians and officials have been arrested, including the Minister of Finance
Abdoulaye Daffe and the chief of staff of the National Guard.
Meanwhile, soldiers took up arms in Kati and
began arresting senior military officers.
The national radio station ORTM has been
evacuated. According to ORTM employees, a column of possible putschists is said
to be on its way to the station.
The French Embassy in the West African country was quick to react, urging people to stay inside their homes.
Kati saw a mutiny in 2012 that led to
a coup d'etat that ousted then-President Amadou Toumani Toure and contributed
to the fall of northern Mali into the hands of jihadi militants.
Opponents of the current president, Ibrahim
Boubacar Keita, have led mass protests since June, demanding the leader's
resignation over what they say are his failures to restore security and deal
with corruption.
At least 14 people have been killed in the unrest, according to the United Nations and human rights activists.
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