Audio By Carbonatix
UN chief António Guterres has demanded the immediate release of Mali's President Bah Ndaw and PM Moctar Ouane, who have been detained by soldiers.
They were driven by soldiers to a military camp near the capital, Bamako.
The two men have been leading an interim government which took power after a military coup last August.
They were detained just hours after a government reshuffle in which two army officers who took part in the coup were replaced.
Late on Monday, Mr Ouane told AFP in a phone call that soldiers "came to get him". The news agency said the line was then cut.
Defence Minister Souleymane Doucouré has also reportedly been detained.
The African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the EU and the US have also condemned the arrests, saying Mali's top politicians must be released without any preconditions.
What has triggered the latest crisis?
Ibrahim Boubaca Keïta was ousted as president last year following weeks of anti-government protests over rising insecurity, alleged corruption and a failing economy.
His removal was generally celebrated - but the slow pace of change over the last nine months has been causing tensions.
An ongoing strike by the main union is in its second week and threatens to cripple the economy.
The interim government - overseeing the 18-month transition - agreed to appoint a new broader-based cabinet in the face of these problems and the threat of renewed protests.
Col Sadio Camara and Col Modibo Kone, who served as ministers of defence and security respectively, were dropped.
The opposition group behind the protests last year, M5 RFP, is also infuriated that it did not get rewarded with any ministerial positions.
Plus public confidence is waning over the army leaders' ability to tackle the Islamist insurgency that has spilled into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
A previous coup in 2012 led to militant Islamists exploiting the chaos and seizing the north of the country.
French troops helped regain territory, but attacks continue as the insurgents capitalise on the persistent political instability in the region.
What happens next?
Discussions are ongoing at the Kati military camp, where the president and prime minister are being held.
The talks have also involved members of the M5 RFP. The group has been critical of the prime minister, so may be angling to replace him, reports BBC World Service Africa editor Will Ross.
A delegation from Ecowas, which played a key role in setting up the transitional government, is also due to visit Bamako.
Latest Stories
-
Applications open for 2026 Igniting dreams fellowship in Northern Ghana
1 hour -
AI Contracts: Fast, professional, but legally risky
1 hour -
Over 1,000 youth equipped as National Apprenticeship Programme starts in Ashanti region
2 hours -
See the areas that will be affected by ECG’s planned maintenance between February 8-13
2 hours -
Police arrest 53-year-old man for threat of death, unlawful possession of firearm
2 hours -
OSP probes NPP Presidential, NDC Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries over vote buying allegations
2 hours -
Gov’t launches nationwide training programme for coconut farmers
2 hours -
Borussia Dortmund launch first African academy in Ghana
3 hours -
Hamamat and Wiyaala land tourism ambassadorial roles
7 hours -
A singer’s tragic death highlights Nigeria’s snakebite problem
7 hours -
King Charles to host Nigeria’s first UK state visit in 37 years
8 hours -
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s 9-point lead at top of Premier League means ‘nothing’
9 hours -
Japan votes in snap election as PM Takaichi takes a gamble
9 hours -
Bloodshed in Kpandai as rival chieftaincy factions clash over gravel pit
10 hours -
Most couples learn these 12 hard lessons way too late
11 hours
