Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang'ula (right) and Mali rebel troops patrolling streets in the capital Bamako (left). The Ministry said Mr Wetang'ula was safe after a coup in the west African nation March 22, 2012.
By NATION Reporter
Posted Thursday, March 22 2012 at 10:55
Posted Thursday, March 22 2012 at 10:55
Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang'ula is safe following a coup by rebel troops in Mali, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has said.
The Ministry said Mr Wetang'ula, who was in Bamako to attend an African Union meeting on Peace and Security, and other government officials were safe in their hotel.
"The Government is in touch with the Kenyan delegation and is keenly observing the unfolding scenario and awaiting for more information on the state of security," said the Ministry in a statement.
It said it trying to "establish contact with the interim authority that is reported to have taken charge in a bid to have the Kenyans evacuated".
However, Mr Wetangu'la said the situation was quickly unravelling and the rebels had imposed a curfew.
"Situation worsening. Curfew imposed. Airport closed. Heavier gunfire can be heard repeatedly," he said in a facebook posting.
The minister also said he had received a call from AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping.
The Ministry said it was working with national carrier Kenya Airways with a view to evacuating Kenyans stranded in the west African nation.
"The Government is working with Kenya Airways for possible evacuation and wishes to inform all Kenyans in Mali to get in touch with the Kenya Airways Area manager Sally Osuke in Bamako Mali on +22177638386."
On Thursday, a group of renegade Mali soldiers said they had seized power from an "incompetent regime," announcing on television the dissolution of state institutions and suspension of the constitution.
The spokesperson of the soldiers, calling themselves the National Committee for the Establishment of Democracy, said they had acted due to government's "incapacity" to handle an insurrection in the north of the country.
The soldiers said they had seized the presidential palace and arrested several ministers after a gunbattle, in an apparent coup bid in the west African nation.
"We are in control of the presidential palace," one of the rebels told AFP on condition of anonymity as a group of soldiers appeared on state television, seized several hours earlier.
President Amadou Toumani Toure was said to have managed to leave the palace.
Mr Wetang’ula posted a message on his Facebook account late Wednesday saying fighting broke out in Mali’s capital city, Bamako, just as he was about to leave his hotel for the airport. He was among world leaders stranded after the coup.
The message said in part : “A coup d’état has taken place in Mali as I was about to leave for the airport. May not be able to leave. Airspace closed. Pray for me.
The message said in part : “A coup d’état has taken place in Mali as I was about to leave for the airport. May not be able to leave. Airspace closed. Pray for me.
The message said in part : “A coup d’état has taken place in Mali as I was about to leave for the airport. May not be able to leave. Airspace closed. Pray for me.
The message said in part : “A coup d’état has taken place in Mali as I was about to leave for the airport. May not be able to leave. Airspace closed. Pray for me.
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