By Chioma Iruke
Assimi Goita, has been sworn in as the new Interim President of Mali, despite global backlash and criticism.
Recall, Goita had removed civilian President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane on May 24, after accusing them of failing to consult him about a Cabinet reshuffle.
The 37-year-old military leader, who was dressed in full military regalia while been sworn in said, “I swear before God and the Malian people to preserve the republican regime… to preserve democratic gains.” He was inaugurated at a ceremony in the country’s capital Bamako on Monday.
As a result of Goita’s actions, former colonial power France suspended its cooperation with the Malian military and the African Union announced Mali’s “immediate suspension” from the pan-African body in the wake of the coup.
Goita served as Mali’s vice president under the transitional government, formed in September last year, which pledged to reform the constitution by October and hold elections in February next year.
Goita has promised to conduct the elections as scheduled by the previous government.
Mali is key to the stability of the Sahel region, and Western powers want to see a return to civilian rule as soon as possible. For the moment, however, Goita and his fellow colonels are in charge.
