Former Malian President, Amadou Toumani Toure, dies aged 72
Mali’s former president, Amadou Toumani Toure, who steered the Sahel nation to democracy and led it for a decade before being ousted in a coup, has died in Turkey aged 72, a family member and a doctor said on Tuesday. Toure “died during the night of Monday to Tuesday in Turkey,” where he had been […]
After 60 years, fond memories of Mali’s founding father
Mali’s first president Modibo Keita roused citizens to push the country forward when he took office in 1960, after decades of French rule, and precipitated a time many remember as one of industry and hope. But 60 years on, the optimism of the post-independence era has given way to chronic instability in Mali, which is […]
Mali junta chief demands end to economic sanctions
Mali’s military junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, on Tuesday, demanded an end to potentially crippling economic sanctions imposed after last month’s coup in the poor Sahel state. Addressing reporters during a ceremony marking 60 years of Malian independence, Goita said the recent nomination of a civilian as interim president meant that West African leaders must end […]
Mali appoints ex-defence minister as transition govt leader
Mali’s military junta announced the leaders of a new transition government in the Sahel state on Monday, which will retain strong army links despite international pressure to appoint civilians after a coup. Junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita said in a televised statement that former defence minister Bah Ndaw would become transition president — while he […]
Mali colonel hauled from retirement to lead transition govt
Dubbed “the big one” for his imposing height, Mali’s future interim president Bah Ndaw has served dictators and presidents alike throughout his long military career. Officials appointed by the Sahel state’s ruling junta hauled him out of retirement on Monday by naming him leader of a new transitional government. The move came after West African […]
Junta says Mali faces ‘total embargo’ from West African countries
The military junta that seized power in Mali last month said Wednesday that the country could face a “total embargo” from West African countries if it does not quickly appoint civilian leaders. The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Mali after the August 18 coup in a bid to push […]
