Cape Town — Malian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra has resigned, with all the members of his cabinet.

The 60-year-old astrophysicist is to step down immediately, according to reports. It is believed that he has been forced to do so by the military coup leaders responsible for the coup in March 2012.

His resignation come hours after his arrest by military men, led by the March coup leader Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo, RFI reported. According to close associates of the prime minister, he was taken to the Kati military barracks on the outskirts of the capital Bamako.

The military is accusing the prime minister of inciting violence.

Translated from the French by Michael Tantoh.