According to the United Nations and the African Union, Mali's army has detained the president and prime minister of the interim government, deepening political chaos in the country just nine months after a military coup overthrew its previous leader.

As mentioned by the United Nations, the detention of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane on Monday came hours after a government reshuffle had left out two soldiers. The soldiers had led the coup in August last year and raised fears of a second military takeover.

The UN and AU have called for the 'immediate and unconditional release' of Mali’s civilian leadership. They said, 'the international community rejects in advance any act of coercion, including forced resignations'.

Taking advantage of  the last year's coup, Islamic extremists had taken control over a part of Mali. Later, Mali had taken the captured land back with the help of France.