Breaking: ECOWAS suspends Mali, takes decision on President Keita’s arrest

ECOWAS has suspended Mali over the arrest of President, Prime Minister and other top rank officials by soldiers of the country.

OnyxNews Nigeria reports that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Mali membership following the arrest of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other other officials.

This online news platform understands that the decision is happening in the middle of jubilation in Mali after soldiers detained the president.

ECOWAS in a statement on Tuesday also closed borders of its member states’ with the country.

“Also all financial flows between its fifteen members and Mali will be suspended.

“Mali is also suspended from its decision-making bodies.

“It called on the ECOWAS commission to impose sanctions on the “putschists and their partners and collaborators,” the statement read in part.

OnyxNews Nigeria quoted Reuters reported on Tuesday night that Mali president, Ibrahim Boubacar, Prime Minister Boubou Cisse and other high rank officials were arrested by Malian soldiers.

Rebel soldiers rounded up senior government and military officers in Kati town and elsewhere.

Thousands of citizens were seen during the arrest cheering the soldiers.

Crowds were also seen jubilating at Independence Square in Bamako, Mali, and other places.

Close to three months, demonstrations demanding President Keita’s resignation were held.

Many lost their lives, a situation that worsened the crisis.

In a similar development, the United Nations has demanded an immediate release of the Malian President, Prime Minister and other government officials arrested by the mutiny soldiers on Tuesday.