Goita was one of several colonels who overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August. A transitional government that would oversee an 18-month transition to democratic elections was then put in place with Ndaw as president and Goita as his vice. Goita last month ordered the arrests of both Ndaw and the prime minister for not informing him about the details of a cabinet reshuffle, which he alleged violated the transitional charter. Former colonial power France, which maintains more than 5,000 troops in Mali to combat Islamist militants, said it would temporarily suspend joint military operations with Malian troops but would continue to operate in the country separately. Choguel Maiga, an opposition leader and former prime minister, is expected to be appointed prime minister in the coming days, which could be enough to satisfy some of the calls for a civilian-led government.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 07, 2021 12:56 UTC