Assimi Goita sworn in by Supreme Court as transitional president of Mali

BAMAKO - Colonel Assimi Goita was officially sworn in as Mali's transitional president by the Supreme Court on Monday.

In a speech, the new Malian transitional president called for cohesion to meet all challenges, including the organization of fair, credible and transparent elections at the expected time.

He promised the reduction of state expenses and that the money saved will be invested in the realization and the improvement of basic social services.

According to him, one of the missions assigned to the future transitional government will be to initiate "a frank and sincere dialogue with all the unions to appease the social climate".

"I intend to give a new dynamic to the governance of the country. I declare my firm determination to meet the challenges," Goita said, stressing that his country will uphold its international commitments.

Appointed transitional vice-president after the mutiny in 2020 which forced the resignation of then president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Colonel Assimi Goita was proclaimed on May 28 as the transitional president by the Constitutional Court of Mali following the resignation of the former transitional president Bah N'Daw.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have already taken sanctions against Mali.

These organizations demanded the immediate appointment of a civilian prime minister, the formation of an inclusive government, respect for the transition period set at eighteen months, and the organization of elections no later than Feb 27, 2022, in which the leaders of the current transition government will not be able to participate.