Mali's former prime minister arrested over corruption claims

Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, then prime minister of the Republic of Mali (L) speaks at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., March 29, 2019. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

BAMAKO (Reuters) - Mali's former prime minister Boubeye Maiga was arrested on Thursday for his role in the purchase of a presidential plane during the rule of ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, his lawyer said.

The exact reason for the arrest was not clear, but it was related to Mali's purchase of a jet in 2014 for $40 million, his lawyer, Kassoum Tapo, said by phone, without giving further detail.