Coup in Mali strands Saskatchewan doctor

A doctor from Saskatchewan has not been able to fly home from Mali because of a military coup that has thrown the country into turmoil.

Dale Dewar told CBC News Friday that a scheduled flight, on Wednesday, could not depart because the local airport was closed.

She added that she can hear gunfire, from time to time, in the streets outside her hotel although the people with her are not concerned about their safety.

"We hear shots periodically in the streets and this morning a helicopter was flying over," Dewar said. "And those of us who do not have dark skin have been told that probably it isn't safe for us to go walking in the streets."

She said people are content to be patient.

"We're in relatively good spirits," she said. "Those who were upset about not getting home have kind of settled down to recognize that as long as we're safe, [it's] better to be staying put than it is trying to rush for the airport."

Dewar was in Mali to speak about health issues that can arise from mining activities.

She said she may be able to fly home on Monday or Tuesday.