Mali president, prime minister detained, coup leaders say

Mali coup leaders have confirmed they have detained President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Prime Minister Boubou Cisse on Tuesday in the capital Bamako, according to various reports.

According to AFP, one of the leaders, who requested anonymity, said, "We can tell you that the president and the prime minister are under our control." He added the pair had been "arrested" at Keita's residence in Bamako.

Reuters also reported two security sources have confirmed the detention. However, a military spokesman from the government said he had no information so far.

Upon hearing the news, hundreds of anti-government protesters went to the central square in the capital, shouting that Keita should have already stepped down.

The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, has urged the rebellion soldiers to immediately return to their barracks.

In a statement, the West African bloc said it has decided to close its member states' borders with Mali and suspended all financial flows between its 15 members and Mali.