Ebun Olowu
The Malian soldiers that overthrew Mali’s president last month has picked former defense minister and retired military officer, Bah N’Daw, as the president during the transition period.
The soldiers had abducted the former president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, and made him resign on state television. Bah Ndaw
Bah N’Daw’s appointment was announced in a statement on Monday, September 21, 2020 on national television by Col. Assimi Goïta, who was the leader of the coup against Keïta.
He was appointed by a 30-person panel set up by the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), the junta that has ruled Mali since Keita was overthrown on August 18, 2020.
The new president is expected to serve as head of state for several months before civilians return to power.
Goïta said he has been appointed transitional vice president.
He said, “The swearing-in ceremony will take place on Friday, September 25”.
These announcements came after several weeks of debate among Malians over whether the transitional government will be led by civilians or the military.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been pressuring the junta to quickly name leaders for the transition.
