Coup in Mali?

[Polaris]

I just was forwarded this link from a Zimbawean co-worker:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...it-has-seized-control-of-Mali-after-coup.html

Apparently Tuareg mercenaries who were fighting for Khaddafy returned to Mali heavily armed, and when president Toure didn't properly equip his army to put down the violence they brought with them, the army seized power.

I'm no expert on west African politics, but perhaps someone here is. Any thoughts? Ban-ki Moon has condemned it.

 

[Bikewer]

It's interesting that the guy ( a lieutenant, no less) who seized power took over from a guy who had also taken power in a coup, which appears to be about as popular a method of changing governments over there as inheritance or election-stealing.

 

[Puppycow]

Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world.

This will just make things worse:

"We have seen, in the east of Bamako, men dressed in military uniform systematically emptying small shops," the unnamed reporter said. "Further south, we saw soldiers taking civilian vehicles by force. Little by little, the anger of the population is growing towards the military 'robbers'."

Others reported seeing soldiers carrying televisions and other goods out of the presidential palace, which was partially in flames yesterday morning after a battle which is believed to have left several soldiers who were defending the palace dead.

Fabien Offner, a journalist, said the streets were almost deserted, with banks, schools, petrol stations and administrative buildings closed.

 

[kellyb]

It's interesting that the guy ( a lieutenant, no less) who seized power took over from a guy who had also taken power in a coup,

Are you sure?
This says:

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/03/...poses-dilemma-for.html#storylink=omni_popular

NAIROBI, Kenya — The leader of the military coup that toppled the democratic government of the West African nation of Mali this week underwent basic officer training in the United States, the Obama administration acknowledged Friday.

Wiki also doesn't have any hints about the old government not being democratically elected, too, fwiw.