马里总理辞职

Mali's interim Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra has resigned, just hours after he was arrested by soldiers as he prepared to leave the country.

Mr. Diarra made a statement on national television early Tuesday, announcing he was stepping down, along with his entire government.

A reporter in the region told VOA the prime minister was emotional as he apologized to Malians and said he had been trying to work for the country. In his brief statement, Mr. Diarra said there were some problems.

Officials say soldiers loyal to Captain Amadou Sanogo, who led Mali's coup earlier this year, arrested the prime minister at his home late Monday as he prepared to leave for France.  The French News Agency says he was planning to travel to Paris for a medical check-up.

Tensions had been mounting in recent weeks in the unity government comprised of Mr. Diarra, Sanogo and interim President Diouncounda Traore. In August, the country formed the power-sharing government under the leadership of Mr. Diarra.

Islamist militants seized control of northern Mali in April, a few days after a coup toppled President Amadou Toumani Toure.