Mali’s coup leader Colonel Assimi Goita was sworn in as the transitional president on Monday at a ceremony in Bamako where he stated he would guarantee elections next year.
Amid pressure mounts from international powers, he reassured that the sub-regional and regional organisations and the international community in general that Mali will honour all its commitments for and in the best interests of the nation.
On May 24 Goita dismissed the transitional civilian president and prime minister, which caused former colonial power France to suspend its cooperation with the military.
The African Union also suspended Mali’s membership while International powers are eager to see if elections promised during the first coup in 2020 will transpire.
After the first coup in August, the government installed pledged to reform the constitution by October and stage elections in February 2022.
Mali is key to the stability of the Sahel region – which is plagued by jihadist groups and so maintaining international partnerships, is crucial as its security forces are thinly resourced.
Goita’s role comes after he led a second coup in nine months in May and despite international condemnation of his power grab.
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