Mutinous troops seized senior officials and took control of state broadcasting. Keïta announced that he was dissolving parliament and leaving office, saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

What happened

The coup followed mass demonstrations over disputed elections, corruption, economic hardship and the government’s response to a growing jihadist insurgency.

Why it mattered

Regional governments condemned the takeover and imposed diplomatic and economic pressure for a civilian-led transition. The African Union suspended Mali.

Consequences

Military leaders later agreed to an 18-month transition, but the coup began a prolonged period of instability and further military intervention.

Sources

• Reuters
• African Union