2012 Malian coup d'état

{{See also|Tuareg rebellion (2012)}}

Tuareg rebels launched a major offensive against Mali's security forces and military in a bid to seize the northern town of Kidal on 6 February 2012. Some loyalist Tuareg fled to the city of Bamako, fearing reprisals after violent demonstrations in the first week of February. The Tuareg rebels had been bolstered by an influx of battle-hardened, well-armed fighters returning from the Libyan Civil War, to which they had traveled to fight for Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader who was deposed and killed.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/20122416445129368.html|title=Tuareg rebels attack Mali town of Kidal|date=6 February 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 March 2012}} On 8 February, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) seized the Mali-Algeria border town of Tinzaouaten as Malian soldiers crossed into Algeria.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8D8A0G20120209|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212055321/http://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8D8A0G20120209|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 February 2012|title=Malian rebels seize key border town, civilians flee |work=Reuters|date=9 February 2012|access-date=7 March 2012}} Islamist Ansar Dine demanded the imposition of Islamic law in northern Mali, while the secular Tuareg nationalist Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA) have stated they want an autonomous, if not completely independent, homeland.

The coup attempt followed weeks of protests of the government's handling of a nomad-led rebellion in the country's north, which had dropped Touré's popularity to "a new low". Soldiers demanded more weapons and resources for their campaign against the rebels, and were dissatisfied with a lack of government support for the army,{{cite news|title=Mali Soldiers Attack Palace in Coup Bid|agency=Reuters|date=22 March 2012|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/03/22/world/africa/22reuters-mali-army.html?_r=2&hp|access-date=22 March 2012}} some soldiers having been sent to the front without sufficient food. Touré was to leave office when his term expires after the presidential election in April.

Factors that led to the coup:Marc Fonbaustier, [https://web.archive.org/web/20170228115038/http://marc-fonbaustier.fr/2012/04/mali-case-study-complex-african-crisis/ Mali: a case study of a complex african crisis], 10 April 2012

• Bamako always had difficulty controlling the north of the country, a territory that had been disputed by the MNLA and its precursor groups since the 1960s.
• Mali was going through a security crisis as AQIM members flooded in from Algeria and other neighboring countries.
• Mali was going through a harsh food crisis that led to displaced populations, refugee camps, and starving women and children.

On 21 March, defence minister Brigadier General Sadio Gassama{{cite web|url=http://www.primature.gov.ml/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4756:biographie-de-sadio-gassama&catid=60:les-ministres&Itemid=100053 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924082058/http://www.primature.gov.ml/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4756:biographie-de-sadio-gassama&catid=60:les-ministres&Itemid=100053 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Biographie de Sadio Gassama |publisher=Primature |access-date=25 March 2012 }} went to the Kati military camp,{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/5min/20120322-mali-mutins-bamako-toure-konare-kone-diarra-sanogo|title=Coup d'Etat au Mali: l'évolution de la situation en temps réel|publisher=RFI|date=22 March 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}} {{convert|15|km}} north of Bamako, to defuse a protest planned for the next day by soldiers of the camp against perceived bad management of the conflict with the Tuareg rebellion in the north of Mali.{{cite web|url=http://www.maliweb.net/news/armee/2012/03/22/article,56151.html |title=Sortie musclée des militaires de Kati dans la journée d'hier: Une mutinerie aux allures de coup d'Etat |publisher=maliweb |date=22 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323111737/http://www.maliweb.net/news/armee/2012/03/22/article%2C56151.html |archive-date=23 March 2012 }} He was met with boos and stones were thrown at his car. He was sequestered, and his guards fired warning shots in the air. The minister was released thanks to the intervention of the Kati zone commander ("commandant de zone"). The soldiers then stormed the weapons and ammunition reserves of the camp. Two soldiers were injured,{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/mali-soldiers-demand-better-arms-to-fight-rebels-143663986/179265.html|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20120323205808/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Mali%2DSoldiers%2DDemand%2DBetter%2DArms%2Dto%2DFight%2DRebels%2D143663986.html|url-status=live|archive-date=23 March 2012|title=UN Chief Following Mali Events With 'Deep Concern'|date=21 March 2012|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=26 March 2012}} but the presidency said Gassama was neither injured nor arrested.{{cite web|title=Démenti formel: Le Ministre de la Défense n'est ni blessé ni arrêté. Il est à son bureau où il poursuit calmement sa journée de travail (Formal denial: The Defense Minister is neither injured nor arrested. He is at his office where he continues to work quietly.)|date=21 March 2012|url=https://twitter.com/PresidenceMali/status/182518106474819586|access-date=22 March 2012}}

Later that day, armored vehicles sealed off the presidential palace, and reporters heard 10 minutes of automatic gunfire near the headquarters of the Malian state broadcaster, whose programmes went off the air. Soldiers blocked the path to the buildings.{{cite news|title=Mali's state broadcaster back on air|publisher=RTÉ|date=21 March 2012 |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0321/mali.html|access-date=22 March 2012}} The Associated Press spoke with a soldier who said that when soldiers entered the palace, Touré's bodyguards did not defend the building. The mutinying soldiers searched the area for Touré, but he was not caught.

In the evening, after several hours, Mali's state broadcaster ORTM came back on the air with a brief message displayed against a backdrop of traditional Malian music and dance. "In a moment, there will be a statement by the military", the message read. A riot broke out at a military garrison near the northern town of Gao, and a military student reportedly said recruits had shot into the air and took several of their senior commanding officers hostage.{{cite news|title=Soldiers mutiny at military base in Mali |agency=Associated Press |date=21 March 2012 |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/mar/21/af-mali-unrest/ |access-date=22 March 2012 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |title=Possible Mali coup as soldiers storm TV station|agency=Associated Press|date=21 March 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/mar/21/mali-coup-soldiers-storm-tv-station?newsfeed=true|access-date=22 March 2012|location=London|work=The Guardian}}

Angry soldiers took over the capital city, Bamako.{{cite web|agency=Agence France-Presse|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/385457/mali-army-claims-upper-hand-over-rebels-amid-coup.html|title=Mali army claims upper hand over rebels amid coup disarray|work=Thomas Morfin |date=25 March 2012|access-date=25 May 2020}} In the morning, Amadou Konare went on state television which identified him as the spokesperson of the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State (CNRDR), formed by the renegade soldiers. Konare declared that the soldiers had seized power from 'the incompetent regime of Amadou Toumani Touré' and said it would look to hand over power to a new, democratically elected government.{{cite news |title=Renegade Mali soldiers say seize power, depose Toure|work=Reuters|date=22 March 2012 |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82L00620120322|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725190152/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82L00620120322|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 July 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}}

Later, Captain Amadou Sanogo, identified as CNRDR's president, also went on state television to declare a dusk-to-dawn curfew "until further notice". He urged calm and condemned any pillaging.{{cite news|title=Renegade Mali soldiers declare immediate curfew|work=Reuters|date=22 March 2012|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL6E8EM04O20120322|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725210012/http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL6E8EM04O20120322|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 July 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}} Soldiers were unable to find Touré.{{cite news|title=Soldiers overthrow government in Mali |agency=Associated Press|date=22 March 2012|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-03-22/Mali-coup/53697004/1|access-date=22 March 2012|work=USA Today}} In the morning, Kenya's foreign minister, who was visiting Mali at the time, reported that Bamako airport had been closed and that he could hear gunfire.{{cite web|last=Ndonga|first=Wambui |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203221047.html|title=Situation in Mali Worsening |publisher=allAfrica|date=26 November 2008|access-date=22 March 2012}} Sanogo also declared the land and air borders of Mali closed until further notice.{{cite web |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2012/03/24/au-mali-le-front-des-putschistes-se-fragilise_1675215_3212.html|title=Au Mali, le front des putschistes se fragilise|date=24 March 2012|work=Le Monde|language=fr|access-date=24 March 2012}}

A military official loyal to the President said the President was in good health, and that the Interior and the Defense Ministers were also safe – contrary to earlier reports that the defense minister had been arrested. Foreign Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga was among several ministers arrested after rebels seized the Presidential palace and other parts of the capital.{{cite web|author=|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/03/22/202330.html|title=Mali president 'safe' after fleeing from overnight rebel coup|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=24 February 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}} Amnesty International reported that Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé had been arrested, and that the detained ministers were being held at the military camp in Kati.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-coup-heralds-period-uncertainty-human-rights-2012-03-23 |title=Mali: Coup heralds period of uncertainty on human rights |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Amnesty International |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-date=11 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311161017/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-coup-heralds-period-uncertainty-human-rights-2012-03-23 |url-status=dead }}

Later in the day it was revealed the president had sought refuge at an undisclosed army base with loyal soldiers.{{cite web |author=Martin Vogl|url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-03-22-AF-Mali-Coup/id-6dc65a2c81f3447a94ce0eef73a4b4ae |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225554/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-03-22-AF-Mali-Coup/id-6dc65a2c81f3447a94ce0eef73a4b4ae |archive-date=3 March 2016 |agency=Associated Press|date=17 September 2009|title=Mali Coup |url-status=dead}} The BBC reported that the Malian Army's elite force, the Red Berets, was still loyal to Touré.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17474946 |title=Mali soldiers loot presidential palace after coup|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 March 2012|date=23 March 2012}} Loyalists confirmed that Touré was "safe and in command" at a military camp somewhere in Bamako, under protection from his "Red Berets", a parachute regiment which he formerly served in.

File:Amadou Toumani Touré 30 November 2011.jpg]]

Rebel soldiers said during the evening they intended to launch an assault on the loyalist army camp in the capital.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-army-idUSBRE82L09C20120323?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews|title=Mali rebels advance in north, mutineers seek president|author=David Lewis and Adama Diarra|date=22 March 2012 |work=Reuters|access-date=23 March 2012}}

As the day progressed, the rebel soldiers looted the Presidential Palace, taking TVs and other goods, while their leader urged them to stop the celebratory gunfire, which had been responsible for at least 20 injuries in the capital.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17474946|title=Mali soldiers loot presidential palace after coup|date=22 March 2012|access-date=22 March 2012|work=BBC News}}

Inspired in part by the diversion caused by the military coup, Tuareg rebels in the country's north launched incursions deeper into Mali, seizing towns and bases formerly held by government forces fighting the conflict that caused the coup. As military forces were engaged in consolidating their hold on the capital, the rebels were able to push southward with little opposition. According to the MNLA, Malian army forces retreated to Gao.

The African Union suspended Mali, until "effective restoration of constitutional order is achieved without delay".

Several African leaders said they had been in touch with the ousted Malian president and that he was still safe and under the protection of forces that remained loyal to him at an undisclosed location outside Bamako.{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/au-malis-president-safe-after-coup-143994376/181222.html|title=African Union Suspends Mali, Hears President Toure Safe|date=23 March 2012|access-date=23 March 2012|publisher=Voice of America|first1=Peter|last1=Heinlein|first2= Addis|last2=Ababa}}

During the day, there were fears by the rebels that the Red Berets were preparing a counterattack against the TV station, and rebel forces set up defensive positions to repel the expected assault. The TV network went off the air several times as gunfire erupted around the station.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/mali-state-tv-goes-off-air-fear-of-countercoup-1.3619197|title=Mali state TV goes off air; fear of countercoup|date=23 March 2012|access-date=26 March 2012|work=Newsday |location=New York}}

According to the BBC's West Africa correspondent, a large number of low-ranking soldiers, possibly the majority, supported the coup, while the majority of the army's officers had not come out publicly to support the coup. Captain Sonogo said in an interview with the BBC that "We are not here to confiscate any power but we are here to have an army and security forces available to assume the national security.... So once this has been fixed, I'll be able to say 'Ok, go for election' in a short period of time. I promise."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17491522 |title=Mali coup leader Sanogo 'will not cling to power' |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 March 2012 |date=23 March 2012}} A joint African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) diplomatic mission met representatives of the junta, according to Mali's state television service.

A group of prominent Malian political figures made an announcement condemning the coup as "a step backwards", including presidential candidate Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/03/23/malian-politicians-slam-military-takeover/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113051648/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/03/23/malian-politicians-slam-military-takeover/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=Malian Politicians Slam Military Takeover « VOA Breaking News |publisher=Voice of America |date=20 August 2009 |access-date=24 March 2012}} Political parties that condemned the coup included the Alliance for Democracy in Mali, the Union for the Republic and Democracy, the Patriotic Movement for Renewal, the Union for Democracy and Development, the Union of Democratic Forces for Progress, the Solidarity and Progress Party, the Democracy and Justice Party, and the Party for Democracy and Progress.{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-03/24/c_131487236.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828174659/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-03/24/c_131487236.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 August 2012 |title=Malian political parties condemn coup d'etat |date=24 March 2012 |agency=Xinhua News Agency |access-date=25 March 2012}}

A total of 14 government officials and ministers were held hostage in the Kati military barracks outside Bamako.

The Tuareg rebels and the Islamist rebel group Ansar Dine said they had surrounded Kidal. An official statement from the group read: "Thanks to Allah the Almighty and his blessings, we will soon take our land in Kidal."

Sanogo stated that no soldiers of the Malian army remained loyal to Touré, describing himself as "in total control". However, an anonymous source from Sanogo's staff stated that Touré continued to be protected by members of the parachute battalion that had formed his presidential guard.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/mali-coup-amadou-sanogo_n_1376983.html |title=Mali Coup: Amadou Sanogo, Coup Leader, Says He Is Firmly in Control |author=Martin Vogl |date=24 March 2012 |work=Huffington Post |access-date=24 March 2012}} Meanwhile, The New York Times reported an observer describing the situation as "very fluid", and that rumours of a counter-coup continued throughout the day, exacerbated by the hour-long disappearance of the Malian television signal the previous night.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/world/africa/mali-coup-leaders-struggle-to-assert-control.html?_r=1&ref=world# |title=Coup Leaders in Mali Struggle to Assert Their Control |author=Adam Nossiter |date=24 March 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=24 March 2012}} A US State Department official also noted that Mali faced a "near-total cutoff of foreign assistance", on which the nation is heavily dependent.

Following reports that men in police and military uniforms were looting shops and stealing cars in Bamako, Sanogo appeared on national television to denounce the "vandalism and pillaging" and state that the perpetrators were opposition forces impersonating soldiers in order to turn public opinion against the coup.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17498739 |title=Mali coup leader Amadou Sanogo 'in complete control' |date=24 March 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=24 March 2012}} Sanogo also announced his intention to seek peace talks with the Tuareg insurgents. According to Mali's state television service, Sanogo also met French ambassador Christian Rouyer along with several other foreign dignitaries.

The Agence France-Presse reported the streets of Bamako were calm but largely deserted due to fears of looting and a petrol (gasoline) shortage. Many businesses remained closed, with Sanogo calling for them to reopen on Tuesday, 27 March.{{cite web |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120325-mali-coup-leaders-try-control-sanogo-bamako |title=Confusion reigns in wake of Mali coup d'etat |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=25 March 2012 |work=France 24 |access-date=24 March 2012}}

It was announced that ECOWAS heads of state were planning to hold an emergency meeting in Abidjan on the 27th, the day on which the junta had called for striking civil servants to return to work. A joint delegation from ECOWAS and the AU also began negotiations with the rebel soldiers to restore power to the elected government.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/201232542243830297.html |title=Uncertainty in Mali after military coup |date=25 March 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=25 March 2012}} Meanwhile, Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, the detained foreign minister, and 13 other imprisoned officials announced their intention to begin a hunger strike.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mali-officials-stage-hunger-strike-to-protest-coup-1.1166354 |title=Mali officials stage hunger strike to protest coup |agency=Associated Press |date=25 March 2012 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=25 March 2012}}

The stranded Kenyan and Zimbabwean foreign ministers were evacuated from Mali to Nigeria.

The Barack Obama administration in the U.S. formally suspended aid to Mali, stating that it would only resume when democracy was restored.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h-x0bRyccelMAWIIvN13VMqYD7rA?docId=f6997b43639d4856985b9f808d43e069 |title=US cuts off aid to Mali's government after coup |author=Bradley Klapper |date=26 March 2012 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=26 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} A thousand-person protest also gathered in Bamako to urge a return to democracy,{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/usatoday/article/53780320?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp |title=Mali protesters seek return to order after coup |agency=Associated Press |date=26 March 2012 |work=Detroit Free Press |access-date=26 March 2012}} chanting "Down with Sanogo" and "Liberate the ORTM" (Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision du Mali).

The Bamako-Sénou International Airport was "partially" reopened for civilian transport.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/10164741 |title=Mali Coup Leaders Partially Reopen Airport |author=Martin Vogl |date=26 March 2012 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=26 March 2012 |location=London |work=The Guardian}}

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara called on an ECOWAS meeting in Abidjan to send a "strong signal" to the mutinous soldiers that democracy must be restored;{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/west-african-leaders-say-they-will-send-strong-signal-to-mali-coup-group/2012/03/27/gIQAaN1EeS_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328155059/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/west-african-leaders-say-they-will-send-strong-signal-to-mali-coup-group/2012/03/27/gIQAaN1EeS_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 March 2012 |title=West African leaders say they will send 'strong signal' to Mali coup group |agency=Associated Press |date=27 March 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=27 March 2012}} he later described Mali's return to democracy as "non-negotiable". Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, the head of the ECOWAS commission, described the coup as "a threat to the entire region". Hundreds of Malian protesters demonstrated at the meeting, calling for a return to civilian rule. Following the meeting, ECOWAS placed peacekeeping troops on standby, hinting at possible military intervention.{{cite news |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-bloc-puts-peacekeepers-on-standby-after-mali-coup-2012mar27-story.html |title=Bloc puts peacekeepers on standby after Mali coup |author=Laura Burke and Rukmini Callimachi |date=27 March 2012 |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press |access-date=22 August 2023}}

Businesses and schools reopened following a call by the CNRDR for them to do so.{{cite news |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/Malians+back+work+regional+leaders+weigh+coup/6366605/story.html |title=Malians go back to work as regional leaders weigh coup |author=Thomas Morfin |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=27 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

A spokesperson for the French embassy confirmed that Ambassador Christian Rouyer had spoken with Touré by telephone, and that Touré had stated that he was safe.

The Tuareg rebellion dismissed calls by Sanogo for a cease-fire and continued its latest offensive.{{cite news |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Mali+northern+rebels+fight+despite+coup+capital/6369548/story.html |title=Mali Northern Rebels Fight on Despite Coup in Capital |author=Serge Daniel |date=27 March 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=27 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Amadou Toumani Touré said in an interview with French radio station RFI : "I am free and in my country.... The most important thing for me is not my own position. What is important is democracy, institutions and Mali."{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17543387 |title=Mali coup: I'm free and in Mali, says ousted leader Toure |date=28 March 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=27 March 2012}}

Several thousand Malians took to the streets in the capital to show their support for the junta and reject "foreign interference" as the Economic Community of West African States said it was putting regional troops on standby for any necessary intervention. A violent clash took place at the Labour Exchange, which was serving as an opposition headquarters; a number of coup opponents were reportedly injured by thrown rocks and then arrested by police.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/world/africa/mali-coup-leader-pressed-on-all-sides-digs-in.html?_r=1 |title=Pressed on All Sides, Leader of Coup in Mali Digs In |author=Adam Nossiter |date=20 March 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=30 March 2012}} Amnesty International called on the government to investigate the assaults and arrest the perpetrators.{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/mali-coup-opponents-lament-attacks-145175985/180405.html |title=Mali Coup Opponents Lament Attacks |author=Nancy Palus |date=30 March 2012 |publisher=Voice of America |access-date=30 March 2012}}

The CNRDR announced a new constitution. In one provision, the group pledged that it would not seek office in future elections, and that members of CNRDR would be barred from standing in elections.{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFL6E8ES72120120328?sp=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725211345/http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFL6E8ES72120120328?sp=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 July 2012 |title=Thousands rally for Mali junta, Toure says free |date=28 March 2012 |work=Reuters |access-date=27 March 2012}}

The five ECOWAS leaders abandoned their plans to visit Bamako mid-flight after several dozen junta supporters "stormed the airport runway".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17546198 |title=Mali coup: West African leaders 'abandon visit' |date=29 March 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=27 March 2012}} Their scheduled talks instead took place in Abidjan. ECOWAS announced later in the day that the junta had 72 hours to return power to constitutional authorities, or Mali would face the closure of its land borders and the freezing of its assets in ECOWAS member nations.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17557926|title=Ecowas gives Mali leaders ultimatum to relinquish power|date=29 March 2012|work=BBC News|access-date=30 March 2012}}

Anti-Western sentiment was reported to rise in Bamako due to a perception that the U.S. and France were behind the proposed sanctions. A Radio France correspondent was detained by junta officers, handcuffed, and threatened with extrajudicial execution; he was released the following day.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/As-sanctions-loom-junta-says-they-plan-elections-3443537.php |title=As sanctions loom, junta says they plan elections |author=Baba Ahmed and Rukmini Callimachi |date=30 March 2012 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=30 March 2012 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330231922/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/As-sanctions-loom-junta-says-they-plan-elections-3443537.php |archive-date=30 March 2012 }}

The MNLA announced its capture of the regional capital of Kidal, including a major military base. Sanogo called on Mali's neighbors to provide military aid to "save the civilian population and Mali's territorial integrity".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17562066 |title=Mali coup: Rebels seize desert capital Kidal |date= 30 March 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=30 March 2012}} Sanogo responded that he "understands" the ECOWAS position and reiterated his promise to hold elections, but refused to give a timetable.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mali-coup-leader-promises-free-elections-1.1221653 |title=Mali coup leader promises free elections |date=30 March 2012 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=30 March 2012}}

The New York Times reported that civil servants had been unable to resume work due to widespread looting by coup soldiers, including the theft of most government computers and the cash from safes.

Gao, a northern regional capital, was taken by the MNLA and Ansar Dine.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Mali-army-abandons-northern-town-after-rebel-attack/articleshow/12486876.cms |title=Mali army abandons northern town after rebel attack |date=1 April 2012 |work=The Times of India |agency=Reuters |access-date=31 March 2012}} BBC News described the loss as "a serious blow to the coup leaders".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17576263 |title=Mali Tuareg rebels seize key garrison town of Gao |date=31 March 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=31 March 2012}}

Representatives of the CNRDR continued negotiations with ECOWAS under the mediation of President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso.

Rebel forces were reported to have encircled Timbuktu, the last major Malian-controlled city of the Azawad.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gTNLB2aDYe_c9wicf6yTUWwh0oqw?docId=CNG.5a52d79a775f7c690968f8cda403130e.7d1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130170412/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gTNLB2aDYe_c9wicf6yTUWwh0oqw?docId=CNG.5a52d79a775f7c690968f8cda403130e.7d1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 January 2014 |title=Rebels seize Mali's main northern city: Witnesses |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=31 March 2012}} The city was captured later in the day.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124181943166936.html |title=Malian coup leader to restore constitution |date=1 April 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=31 March 2012}}

Meeting one of ECOWAS's demands, Sanogo announced that the CNRDR would reinstate Mali's previous constitution, and begin "to organise free, open and democratic elections in which we will not participate".

After the junta failed to meet the ECOWAS deadline for relinquishing power, "severe" sanctions against Mali began. The nation's account in the Central Bank of West African States was frozen, and Mali's land borders were closed. As Mali imports most of its petroleum from Côte d'Ivoire, this was expected to cause parts of the country to run out of fuel "within days"{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124322846484253.html|title=Mali coup leaders call for transition talks|date=4 April 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=3 April 2012}} as well as shutting down the country's gasoline-dependent electric grid.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGSOdy6E_IueNalsmmeSUo6s87dQ?docId=2d7187bd2a294feba163e040b02f3c15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402184536/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGSOdy6E_IueNalsmmeSUo6s87dQ?docId=2d7187bd2a294feba163e040b02f3c15|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2012|title=W. Africa bloc imposes sanctions on Mali post-coup|author=K. Larson|date=2 April 2012|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2 April 2012}}

The UN Security Council began work on a resolution backing the ECOWAS sanctions against the junta.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZ9grPfu0TWqNu4VZE6rRlTWKRCA?docId=CNG.18f2de9d4c145d61a54efeb26eb8e9ae.131 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201201303/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZ9grPfu0TWqNu4VZE6rRlTWKRCA?docId=CNG.18f2de9d4c145d61a54efeb26eb8e9ae.131 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |title=UN Council Hammers out Condemnation of Mali Conflict |date=3 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=3 April 2012}} The U.S. and the African Union joined ECOWAS in announcing a travel ban on the coup's leadership.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/world/africa/mali-junta-calls-for-national-meeting.html |title=Mali Junta Calls National Meeting |date=3 April 2012 |work=The New York Times |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=3 April 2012}}

The junta announced that it was considering charging Touré with financial misconduct and treason. Sanogo also stated that a "national meeting" would be held on 5 April to decide "what will be best for the country in a consensual, democratic fashion".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17604755 |title=Mali's junta 'may charge' President Toure with treason |date=3 April 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=4 April 2012}}

Insurgents in Northern Mali looted 2,354 tons of food from World Food Programme warehouses in Gao, Timbuktu, and Kidal causing the organization to suspend food aid to northern Mali. Looting of hospitals, hotels, government offices, and aid offices was reported across the region.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/wfp-suspends-some-operations-in-mali-after-food-aid-looted |title=WFP suspends some operations in Mali after food aid looted |author=George Fominyen |date=3 April 2012 |publisher=alert.net |agency=Reuters |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125074352/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/wfp-suspends-some-operations-in-mali-after-food-aid-looted |archive-date=25 November 2012 }} Two hundred thousand people had reportedly fled the fighting.{{cite news |url=http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Mali+flee+fighting+World+Food+Programme+suspends+north/6402495/story.html |title=Mali: 200,000 flee fighting, UN World Food Programme suspends aid in north |date=3 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406024842/http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Mali+flee+fighting+World+Food+Programme+suspends+north/6402495/story.html |archive-date=6 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}

The UN Security Council stated "strong condemnation of the forcible seizure of power from the democratically-elected government" and again called for "the immediate restoration of constitutional rule... and for the preservation of the electoral process."{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5grilySJ5EdrgURoNp1mt3AIJhTgg?docId=CNG.915a5505555757d7df5029b5b99451cc.261 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201201147/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5grilySJ5EdrgURoNp1mt3AIJhTgg?docId=CNG.915a5505555757d7df5029b5b99451cc.261 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |title=UN urges return of Mail government, end to fighting |author=Andre Viollaz |date=4 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=4 April 2012}}

The coalition of Malian parties opposed to the junta refused to participate in Sanogo's proposed "national meeting".

The fifteen nations of West Africa planned a military intervention against the junta and the Tuareg rebels. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that France would help "on a logistical level".{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/tuareg-rebels-mali-declare-cease-fire-malis-neighbours-203014695.html |author=Rukmini Callimachi |title=Tuareg rebels in Mali declare cease-fire, as Mali's neighbors prepare military intervention |date=5 April 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! News |agency=Associated Press |access-date=11 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418132135/http://news.yahoo.com/tuareg-rebels-mali-declare-cease-fire-malis-neighbours-203014695.html |archive-date=18 April 2012 }}

An MNLA spokesman announced the end of the group's military operations after the capture of Douentza, which the group considered "the frontier of Azawad".

{{Main|Azawad Declaration of Independence}}

The MNLA declared "irrevocably" the independence of Azawad from Mali.{{cite news|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/06/205763.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|title=Tuareg rebels declare the independence of Azawad, north of Mali|date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406194235/https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/06/205763.html|access-date=6 April 2012|archive-date=6 April 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3287678.ece |title=Mali's Tuareg rebels declare independence |agency=Associated Press |date=6 April 2012 |work=The Hindu|access-date=6 April 2012 |location=Chennai, India }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The African Union and the European Union condemned the declaration, the former declaring it "null and of no value whatsoever".{{cite news|last=Felix |first=Bate |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mali-idUKBRE83503Y20120406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203083826/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mali-idUKBRE83503Y20120406 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2016 |title=Mali rebels declare independent 'Azawad' |work=Reuters |date=6 April 2012 |access-date=6 April 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i701PdJb2rkdYJ90teoUQj2TGFZA?docId=a159a4c20669423ebd87d7802ffca78c |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120408170821/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i701PdJb2rkdYJ90teoUQj2TGFZA?docId=a159a4c20669423ebd87d7802ffca78c |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2012 |title=The Associated Press: Mali's Tuareg rebels declare independence |author=Rukmini Callimachi |date=6 April 2012 |access-date=6 April 2012}}

Amnesty International described Mali as "on the brink of a major humanitarian disaster" following the coup and rebellion due to aid agency pull-outs, widespread looting, and widespread reports of violence against girls and women in the north.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17634612 |title=Amnesty warns Mali is 'on brink of major disaster' |date=5 April 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 April 2012}}

Later in the day, ECOWAS and the coup leaders reached an agreement on a transition of power and lifting of sanctions, under which National Assembly of Mali Speaker Dioncounda Traoré would become interim president and oversee new elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-ecowas-idUSBRE8350JV20120406 |title=Mali junta agrees power handover deal with neighbors |date=6 April 2012 |work=Reuters |access-date=6 April 2012 |first=Bate |last=Felix}} Under the terms of the agreement, the mutinying soldiers would be given amnesty for their participation in the coup.

Amadou Toumani Touré submitted his formal resignation from the presidency to ECOWAS mediators on 8 April 2012,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/08/president-mali-resigns |title=Mali's president resigns after coup |date=8 April 2012 |work=The Guardian |agency=Reuters |access-date=8 April 2012 |location=London}} stating, "More than anything, I do it out of the love I have for my country".{{cite web |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Apr-10/169703-mali-awaits-next-step-after-president-coup-leader-resign.ashx#axzz1rbYsVRxR |title=Mali awaits next step after president, coup leader resign |date=10 April 2012 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=9 April 2012}} Amadou Sanogo resigned shortly after.

Mali's constitutional court met to determine the interim president, announcing that Dioncounda Traoré can assume the presidency for up to 40 days in order to organize elections.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120410/af-mali-coup/ |title=Court clears way for new interim president in Mali |author=Martin Vogl |date=10 April 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=Huffington Post |access-date=10 April 2012}}

Coup leaders formally handed power to Traoré, and the imprisoned ministers and aides from Touré's administration were released. Following Traoré's inauguration, he pledged to "wage a total and relentless war" on the Tuareg rebels unless they released their control of northern Malian cities.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9201664/Malis-new-leader-threatens-total-war-against-Tuareg-rebels.html |title=Mali's new leader threatens 'total war' against Tuareg rebels |date=13 April 2012 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=14 April 2012 |location=London}}

Mali state television announced that Cheick Modibo Diarra has been appointed interim prime minister to help restore civilian rule.{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL6E8FH99V20120417 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417174745/http://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL6E8FH99V20120417 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2012 |title=Mali names Microsoft Africa chief as interim PM |date=17 April 2011 |work=Reuters |access-date=17 April 2012}}

The new civilian government comprising 24 ministers was announced; three ministers (defence, interior and internal security) were from the military and considered to be close to the coup leaders. Sanogo stated that the junta would continue to play a "supervisory" role in the transition.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17841379 |title=Mali gives military personnel key government posts |date=25 April 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=29 April 2012}}

ECOWAS announced a deadline of a 12-month transition until presidential and legislative elections, and that soldiers would be deployed to Mali to ensure a peaceful transition. Sanogo stated that his government would reject both decisions.{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120429-mali-coup-leader-rejects-ecowas-troop-deployment-sanogo-west-africa-traore |title=Mali coup leader rejects ECOWAS troop deployment |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=29 April 2012 |publisher=France 24 |access-date=29 April 2012}}

Following reports that the leaders of the "Red Berets" (presidential guard) would be arrested by the junta, Red Berets assaulted OTRM offices and other locations in Mali in an apparent attempt at a countercoup, exchanging fire with pro-junta soldiers.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17898563 |title='Gunshots fired' in Malian capital Bamako |date=30 April 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=30 April 2012}} The fighting lasted through the night and resulted in at least 14 deaths and 40 injuries.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17906621 |title=Mali coup: Junta forces 'overrun rivals' camp' |date=1 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=29 April 2012}}

The junta seized control of the primary base of anti-junta forces, ending the countercoup. The New York Times described the victory over the countercoup as "a further step in the consolidation of [the junta's] control".{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/world/africa/mali-uprising-no-threat-to-amadou-haya-sanogos-plans.html |title=Mali Uprising Proves No Threat to Junta Leader's Vision of Authority |author=Adam Nossiter |date=1 May 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=29 April 2012}}

The junta announced that at least 140 Red Berets had been captured following the counter-coup attempt,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17929098|title=Mali junta forces hunt down counter-coup soldiers |date=2 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 May 2012}} although later reports put the number at 300, of which 20 died under torture.[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/mali-red-beret-soldier-shot-dead Mali Red Beret soldier shot dead] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815181128/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/mali-red-beret-soldier-shot-dead |date=15 August 2012 }}

ECOWAS released a statement accusing the junta of blocking the return to civilian rule and threatening to re-impose sanctions.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18065684 |title=Ecowas threatens Mali coup leaders with new sanctions |date=14 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 May 2012}}

Soldiers allowed a group of pro-coup demonstrators into Traoré's office in Bamako. The demonstrators, who had been carrying a mock coffin with Traoré's name written on it, attacked him, knocking him unconscious. He was brought to Point G Hospital but was not conscious when he was brought in, apparently suffering from a head injury.{{cite web |title=Interim president of Mali injured, witness says |agency=Associated Press |date=21 May 2012 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/interim-president-mali-injured-witness-says-163743437.html |access-date=21 May 2012}}

Three protesters were killed and others wounded when Traoré's security fired on the attackers.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18142488 |title=Mali President Dioncounda Traore 'in hospital after attack' |date=21 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=20 May 2012}}

In an effort to restore stability to Mali following the military coup, a new government of national unity was formed on 20 August and approved by interim President Dioncounda Traoré.{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/mali-crisis-idINL6E8JKE7Q20120820 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203083826/http://in.reuters.com/article/mali-crisis-idINL6E8JKE7Q20120820 | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 February 2016 | title=Mali forms new caretaker government | work=Reuters | date=21 August 2012 | access-date=21 August 2012}} Cheick Modibo Diarra, who led the interim government, remained as Prime Minister. The new cabinet consisted of 31 ministers, and five of those were viewed as close to the coup leader, Captain Sanogo.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19327916 | title=Mali forms new unity government under PM Diarra | publisher=BBC | date=20 August 2012 | access-date=21 August 2012}} Those who were selected to five posts in the new government were chosen by the military leadership, while at least four members of the previous transitional government, including the interior minister who was responsible for organizing elections, were not changed. None of the selected ministers had close links to the ousted, democratically elected president.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501710_162-57496913/mali-announces-new-govt-5-months-after-coup/ |title=Mali announces new govt 5 months after coup |work=CBS News |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Following weeks in which he lost popular support and the backing of the High Islamic Council, Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra was arrested by soldiers on 10 December and taken to a military base in Kati.{{cite news|title=Mali's PM arrested by junta|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/asia_pacific/view/20121210malis_pm_arrested_by_junta/srvc=home&position=recent|access-date=11 December 2012|agency=Associated Press|date=10 December 2012}} BBC News reported that the arrest had been ordered by Capt. Sanogo.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20674573 |title=Mali PM Cheick Modibo Diarra resigns after army arrest |date=11 December 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 December 2012 |archive-date=11 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211190457/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20674573 |url-status=live}} According to an eyewitness, soldiers "smashed in the door of the prime minister's residence and took him away a bit violently".{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9736266/Mali-PM-Cheick-Modibo-Diarra-arrested-by-soldiers.html |title=Mali PM Cheick Modibo Diarra arrested by soldiers |date=11 December 2012 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=11 December 2012 |archive-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212150342/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9736266/Mali-PM-Cheick-Modibo-Diarra-arrested-by-soldiers.html |url-status=live}}

Hours later, the Prime Minister announced his resignation and the resignation of his government on national television.{{cite news|title=Mali PM resigns after being arrested by troops|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrZo4r-Mz8yfVDSIB1tYxWCFLupw?docId=CNG.924cb15c775e21276db5cd9e029672d3.a1|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103033435/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrZo4r-Mz8yfVDSIB1tYxWCFLupw?docId=CNG.924cb15c775e21276db5cd9e029672d3.a1|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=11 December 2012|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=10 December 2012}} A military spokesman, Oumar Mariko, stated that Diarra had been seeking to "stay in power indefinitely", blocking the transition to democracy, and that he would be detained until a new prime minister was appointed by the president. The New York Times wrote that the resignation "appeared to be the country’s second coup".{{cite news|last=Nossiter|first=Adam|title=Mali's Prime Minister Arrested by Military|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/world/africa/malis-prime-minister-arrested-by-military.html|access-date=11 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=11 December 2012}} Mariko opposed the use of the term, telling reporters, "This is not a new coup d'etat".{{cite news|title=Mali PM's resignation 'not a coup'|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/mali-pms-resignation-not-a-coup-20121211-2b7g1.html|access-date=11 December 2012|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=11 December 2012}}

In the days following the March coup d'état, it was "unanimously condemned" by the international community.

• {{flag|United Nations}}: In New York, a UN spokesperson said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following the event with 'deep concern' and called for calm and for grievances to be resolved peacefully and within the democratic process. Ban also reaffirmed the UN's support for the constitutional order in the country.{{cite web |title=New York, 21 March 2012 – Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Mali |publisher=United Nations |date=21 March 2012 |url=https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=5936 |access-date=29 March 2012}} The UN Security Council also called for "the release of all detained Malian officials" and the "immediate restoration of constitutional rule and the democratically elected government".{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012322234952301942.html |title=International condemnation for Mali coup |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 March 2012}}
• African Union: Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, issued a statement that the AU "strongly condemns this act of rebellion, which seriously undermines constitutional legality and constitutes a significant setback for Mali and for the on-going democratic processes on the continent".
• {{flag|European Union}}: The European Union condemns the coup and asks for the restoration of the constitutional power as soon as possible. Development operations have also been suspended.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/5min/20120322-mali-mutins-bamako-toure-konare-kone-diarra-sanogo |title=Coup d'Etat au Mali: l'évolution de la situation en temps réel |language=fr |publisher=Radio France Internationale |date=16 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gFgnu-XClpoH2GkbbDvnwmnd2eIA?docId=CNG.b73629122fe837d11887fc8ac5dcb4bd.1a1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225050331/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gFgnu-XClpoH2GkbbDvnwmnd2eIA?docId=CNG.b73629122fe837d11887fc8ac5dcb4bd.1a1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 February 2014 |title=EU suspends Mali development aid after coup |agency=Agence France-Presse|date=23 March 2012 |access-date=23 March 2012}}
• Inter-Parliamentary Union: Mali was suspended from the IPU until "democracy is restored".{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203310320.html |title=Mali Suspended From International MPs' Body |author=Gloria Nakiyimba |date=31 March 2012 |publisher=AllAfrica.com |access-date=31 March 2012}}

• {{Flagu|Algeria}}: An Algerian government spokesman stated, "we condemn the use of force and firmly reject any unconstitutional changes... We believe that all internal issues in Mali need to be resolved through the country's legitimate institutions."{{cite web |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/37427.aspx |title=Algeria voices deep concern over Mali coup |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=22 March 2012 |publisher=ahram.org |access-date=29 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Angola}}: The Foreign Minister of Angola said about the coup: "We are against this kind of power seizure by the force of arms, we think it necessary that they go through the constitution and negotiation path and find a solution that satisfies all parties."{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203250247.html |title=Angola: Govt Condemns Coup d'Etat in Mali |date=24 March 2012 |publisher=allAfrica |access-date=29 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Argentina}}: The Foreign Minister of Argentina said: "The Argentine government expresses its profound solidarity with the people of Mali" and request "the strict respect for human rights, the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the legitimate continuation of the ongoing electoral process."{{cite web |url=http://www.ambito.com/noticia.asp?id=629988 |title=Cancillería llamó a "la inmediata restauración del legítimo orden constitucional" en Malí |date=24 March 2012 |publisher=ambito.com |access-date=29 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Brazil}}: The Ministry of External Relations stated that it is following the situation in Mali with "deep concern", called for the "immediate restoration of constitutional order and democracy" and urged the parties to exert "moderation, to peaceful dialogue and the rejection of the use of force".[https://archive.today/20120805003633/http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/sublevacao-militar-no-mali Sublevação Militar no Mali] Ministry of External Relations of Brazil. Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{in lang|pt}}.
• {{Flagu|Canada}}: Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird stated that "differences must be resolved by dialogue and democratic process, not by force" and called for a return to stability before next month's elections.{{cite news|title=Baird, Ablonczy React to Mali Coup Attempt|url=http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/03/21e.aspx?lang=eng&view=d|access-date=23 March 2012|newspaper=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada|date=21 March 2012}} Canada suspended all aid programs involving direct payments to the government of Mali, while stating that Canadian International Development Agency programs in the country will remain active.{{cite news|title=Canada Suspends Aid to Government of Mali|url=http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2012/03/24a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d|access-date=27 March 2012|newspaper=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada|date=24 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|France}}: French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé announced France is suspending diplomatic cooperation with Mali.{{cite web|agency=Reuters |url=https://news.yahoo.com/france-suspends-cooperation-mali-coup-122737222.html |title=France suspends cooperation with Mali after coup |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=22 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Ghana}}: Ghana "condemned the unwarranted military seizure of power in Mali".{{cite web |url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=233803 |title=Ghana condemns coup in Mali |date=24 March 2012 |publisher=ghanaweb.com |access-date=25 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|India}}: India "expresses its deep concern over the recent developments in Mali and calls for respect of the constitutional order and democratic process in that country".{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/india-worried-over-military-coup-in-mali-254184.html |title=India worried over military coup in Mali |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=firstpost.com |access-date=25 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Kenya}}: Kenyan Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula, who was in Bamako at the time of the coup, said after his escape from the country: "This should be the last time such a coup takes place anywhere in the continent. It is not fair for young excited soldiers to drive democratically elected leaders out of office."{{cite web |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Wetangula+evacuated+as+first+Kenyan+arrives+from+troubled+Mali/-/1056/1373300/-/me3iehz/-/ |title=Wetang'ula rescued from Mali coup hell |author=Dave Opiyo |date=25 March 2012 |work=The Daily Nation |access-date=25 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Niger}}: Niger stated its "total disapproval" of the coup and "condemned all unconstitutional changes".{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Niger-denounces-Mali-coup-20120323 |title=Niger denounces Mali coup |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=news24.com |access-date=25 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Nigeria}}: The Nigerian government said it refused to recognize the "unconstitutional government" in Mali, and strongly condemned the coup.{{cite web |url=http://www.worldstagegroup.com/worldstagenew/index.php?active=news&newscid=4234&catid=3 |title=Nigeria rejects coup in Mali, wants ECOWAS, AU, UN to strongly condemn it |publisher=Worldstagegroup.com |author=Victor Iluyemi |date=22 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712085240/http://www.worldstagegroup.com/worldstagenew/index.php?active=news&newscid=4234&catid=3 |archive-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}
• {{Flagu|Norway}}: Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre condemned the coup against Mali's legally elected government and president and urged the military to return power back to the legal authorities as soon as possible.
• {{Flagu|People's Republic of China}}: China "condemned the coup".{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/03/24/Mali-coup-leaders-face-growing-criticism/UPI-32361332609918/ |title=Mali coup leaders face growing criticism |date=24 March 2012 |work=United Press International |access-date=25 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Russia}}: Russia condemned the coup and "demanded that the junta leaders should restore the constitutional order and ensure the return of the democratically elected president to power".{{cite web |url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_03_23/69399036/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720045006/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_03_23/69399036/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2012 |title=Coup in Mali: situation remains unclear |author=Igor Yazon |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Voice of Russia |access-date=25 March 2012 }}
• {{Flagu|Senegal}}: Senegal expressed its support of the ECOWAS and AU action against the coup, and called on West African nations to "restore, as quickly as possible, the rule of law in Mali".{{cite web|url=http://www.afriquejet.com/mali-coup-2012032535614.html |title=Mali coup: Senegal expresses solidarity with ordinary Malian citizens |date=25 March 2012 |work=Afrique en Ligne |access-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327063417/http://www.afriquejet.com/mali-coup-2012032535614.html |archive-date=27 March 2012 }}
• {{Flagu|South Africa}}: South Africa condemned the coup and closed its embassy in Bamako.{{cite web|agency=Agence France-Presse |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/South-Africa-condemns-Mali-coup-20120322 |title=South Africa condemns Mali coup |publisher=News24 |date=22 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|Uganda}}: President Yoweri Museveni condemned the coup, calling on Mali's military to return to its barracks and "let the people decide their future".{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/01/c_122916122.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420182406/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/01/c_122916122.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2012 |title=Ugandan president condemns Mali coup, calls for restoration of people power |date=1 April 2012 |agency=Xinhua News Agency |access-date=31 March 2012}}
• {{Flagu|United Kingdom}}: Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham said the British government is 'deeply concerned' about reports of a coup attempt and condemns any action to undermine democratic rule and the Malian Constitution.{{cite web|title=UK condemns coup attempt in Mali |date=22 March 2012 |url=http://www.bnonews.com/inbox/?id=447 |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109213147/http://www.bnonews.com/inbox/?id=447 |archive-date=9 November 2013 }}
• {{Flagu|United States}}: U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the United States condemns the military seizure of power and stands with the legitimately elected government of Touré.{{cite web |title=U.S. State Department statement on the situation in Mali |date=22 March 2012 |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/03/186633.htm |access-date=22 March 2012}} All U.S. aid to Mali was suspended on 26 March. However, on 20 April three U.S. military personnel that had been in the country assisting Mali's military before the coup were killed in a car accident in Bamako.Whitlock, Craig. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130310153500/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-07-08/world/35488661_1_malian-counterterrorism-commando "Mysterious fatal crash offers rare look at U.S. commando presence in Mali."] The Washington Post. 8 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2013. Conflicting reasons were offered for why the men had remained in the country, and three women identified by anonymous sources as Moroccan prostitutes were also killed in the vehicle.Kelley, Michael. [http://www.businessinsider.com/three-us-commandos-and-three-prostitutes-died-in-a-car-crash-in-mali-2012-7 "Three Prostitutes Were Involved in that Fatal US Army Car Crash In Mali."] Business Insider. 9 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2013. One of the men was from INSCOM, while the other two were assigned to SOCOM, a special operations unit that is active in counter-terrorism missions.Vogl, Martin. [http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/04/ap-military-mali-3-service-members-killed-car-crash-042012/ "3 service members killed in Mali car crash."] Army Times. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
• {{Flagu|Venezuela}}: Hugo Chávez's government stated "their unconditional solidarity with the people of Mali, while expressing his most resounding rejection of the coup".{{cite web|url=http://feeds.univision.com/feeds/article/2012-03-23/venezuela-rechaza-golpe-de-estado |title=Venezuela rechaza golpe de Estado en Mali y pide respeto a la vida de Toure |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Univision |access-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706233940/http://feeds.univision.com/feeds/article/2012-03-23/venezuela-rechaza-golpe-de-estado |archive-date=6 July 2012 }}

The coup occurred as the head of United Nations Office for West Africa, Said Djinnit, was in the capital for the AU summit and to help mediate the crisis. In response, the World Bank and the African Development Bank suspended development aid funds in support of the AU and ECOWAS reactions to the coup.

Amnesty International noted its concern that the coup foreshadowed a "period of uncertainty on human rights", and called on Sanogo's forces to release their political prisoners from detention.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-coup-heralds-period-uncertainty-human-rights-2012-03-23 |title=Mali: Coup heralds period of uncertainty on human rights |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Amnesty International |access-date=25 March 2012 |archive-date=11 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311161017/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-coup-heralds-period-uncertainty-human-rights-2012-03-23 |url-status=dead }} Human Rights Watch called on the CNRDR to "restore basic human rights protections" as well as set a firm timeline to return power to a democratically elected government.{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/mali-coup-leaders-must-respect-rights |title=Mali: Coup Leaders Must Respect Rights |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=25 March 2012 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The multinational corporation Randgold Resources' shares fell 13% following the coup, as it owns three gold mines in Mali. However, it asserted that its mining operations in Loulo and Gounkoto and its joint venture in Morila have no disruptions.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17475891 |title=Randgold Resources' shares plunge after a coup in Mali |publisher=BBC |date=22 March 2012 |access-date=24 March 2012}} Gold Fields suspended operations in the country.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mining-summit-goldfields-mali-idUSBRE82P0RF20120326 |title=Gold Fields says committed to Mali despite unrest |date=26 March 2012 |work=Reuters |access-date=26 March 2012}}

{{Portal|Mali}}

• 1968 Malian coup d'état
• 1991 Malian coup d'état
• 2020 Malian coup d'état
• 2021 Malian coup d'état
• List of coups d'état and coup attempts since 2010

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