Mali Military agrees to 18-month transitional government



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Last month's coup was well received by many Malian civilians.

Last month’s coup was welcomed by many Malian civilians.

Mali’s new military leaders agreed to establish an 18-month transitional government until elections are held, following last month’s coup.

Spokesman Moussa Camara said the interim government would be led by a military officer or a civilian.

The pledge came after three days of talks with the opposition and civil society groups about a timetable for Mali’s return to civilian rule.

Ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta fled the country last week.

The 75-year-old former leader flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sept. 5 for medical treatment after suffering a mild stroke, military officials said.

His former chief of staff said he could be absent for up to 15 days.

After the coup, West African leaders said they wanted a speedy return to civilian rule. Mali’s new military rulers had previously said that they wanted the interim period to last two years.

“We pledge to you to spare no effort in the implementation of all these resolutions in the exclusive interest of the Malian people,” said Colonel Assimi Goita, head of the Malian military junta.

President Keïta was ousted on August 18 after massive protests against his government over corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a dispute over legislative elections.

The coup drew international condemnation, but was welcomed by many Malians.

Mr. Keïta was detained by the military, but later released.

This was the fourth coup in the West African state since it gained independence from France in 1960.

An earlier coup in 2012 led Islamist militants to exploit instability to seize territory in northern Mali. French troops helped regain territory, but the attacks continue.

The coup leaders previously promised to respect international agreements on the fight against jihadists.

Thousands of French, African and UN troops are based in the country to confront the militants.

Credit: The BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54134614



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