Mali's former president Amadou Toumani Toure, who has not been seen he was ousted in a military coup, is being sheltered at Senegal's embassy in Bamako.

Senegalese President Macky Sall told reporters while visiting Paris on Wednesday that Mr. Toure is currently staying at the ambassador's residence in Mali's capital.

Mr. Toure's whereabouts had been unknown since the March 22nd coup.

It is unclear why the former president is staying the embassy or how long he will remain there.

On Tuesday, soldiers in Mali arrested at least seven prominent political and military figures, some of whom were allied with the former president's government.

Mali's military junta has said it is working with a new transitional government to return the country to civilian rule, but the arrests have raised questions about who is in control.

Coup leaders have not given a reason for the detentions, but they said late Tuesday the officials will be investigated by proper authorities.

Junta leader Amadou Sanogo has publicly stated he has retained a role in the country's transition to civilian rule.

After the economic regional bloc known as ECOWAS imposed harsh sanctions against coup leaders, the junta agreed last week to restore civilian rule and form a transitional government to organize new elections.

Rogue soldiers who took part in the coup accused President Toure of failing to properly equip them to handle a Tuareg rebellion in the north.

Mr. Toure formally resigned on April 8, allowing the new interim government to take power.