Colonel Malick Diaw has been elected to preside over the Mali interim legislature, the National Transition Council. He was the deputy leader of the junta that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on 18 August.
The decision was arrived at during the council’s Saturday inaugural meeting in Mali’s capital, Bamako.
Background
In mid-August 2020, a coup d’état was carried out on President Keita’s government. Keita was serving his second term after winning both elections with a landslide. The act detested internationally saw the head of state give up his office.
Held at gunpoint by the coup leader, President Keita resigned from his position and dissolved the parliament, saying that he had to do so for the love he had for his country.
The National Committee for the Salvation of the People, what the coup-makers called themselves, said that they acted to prevent Mali from getting deeper into chaos.
The action prompted Mali’s immediate suspension from the institution of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and closure of borders for Mali. ECOWAS has since reversed its decision following the agreement by the Mali military to form a transitional government.
Amidst the coup, Mali has also been struggling with internal civil unrest. Despite several protests being experienced in the country, Islamic extremist groups are also a problem to the West African state.
National Transitional Council
Malian transition authorities formed the council after the officers who led the coup handed over power to an interim government. The move by the military power to hand over power resulted from the threat of international sanctions.
The 121 member council is expected to ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule within 18 months. Out of the 121 members, 22 members are from the security and defense forces, while the rest are drawn from civil society groups, political parties, and trade unions.
The council’s army dominance has angered political forces, especially the June 5 Movement- a political movement that had led anti-governmental rallies during Keita’s term in office. Moreover, there are claims that the interim government is out rightly linked with the military.
Unanimously Voted In
With 111 votes in his favor, seven abstentions, and three members not voting, Diaw ultimately won the elections unopposed.
June 5 Movement earlier on Friday announced that it would not take part in the Council’s proceedings, saying that it will not aid in the “disguised military regime.”
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