Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, 75, was seized in a dramatic escalation of a months-long crisis in the fragile West African country. United Nations head Antonio Guterres demanded 'the immediate and unconditional release' of Mr Keita and members of his government. But a 'distressed-looking' Mr Keita last night announced on state television that he would step down from power, three years before his final term was due to end. 'I wish no blood to be shed to keep me in power,' Keita said. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Mali's controversial president Political veteran Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, 75, was elected as president in a landslide election in 2013 and was re-elected in 2018.

Source: Daily Mail August 18, 2020 21:24 UTC