Mali’s former defence minister Ba N’Daou has been appointed the president of the country’s transitional government, France24 reports quoting the military junta on Monday.
The announcement comes on the back of pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to have the military cede power to a civilian-led transitional government.
The West African country has been without a president since the August 18 ouster of former leader Ibrahim Boubacar Keita by the military following months of protests.
ECOWAS had initially given the military until September 15 to have a transitional government in place, but the time lapsed without one.
The bloc continued to push for the military to cede power to a civilian, who will then not be allowed to participate in the country’s elections to be planned after the transition period lapses.
Following his ouster, Keita was held in detention for 10 days, with the military justifying the move saying it was necessary for his own security.
He was flown abroad for medical treatment upon his release.
