Mali president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita names new govt after PM's shock resignation Sunday Dec 31,2017

 

Mali's president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has appointed the government of the country's new prime minister, as he prepares for a presidential campaign amid an ongoing threat from jihadists.

According to a decree published Sunday Dec 31,2017 President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita installed 36 ministers for Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga's government.

Six new members are entering the government, formed hours after 63-year-old Maiga's appointment on Saturday following the unexpected resignation of Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga on Friday Dec 29,2017

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop has been replaced by Tieman Hubert Coulibaly, former Minister of Territorial Administration.

The new prime minister is considered close to Keita, despite having resigned as defence minister in 2014 after the Malian army suffered a string of setbacks against Tuareg rebel groups in the country's restive northern region.

Note

Mali's Prime Minister Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga and his government resigned on Friday Dec 29,2017, a surprise move just months ahead of presidential polls. 

 

Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga, a trained engineer who hails from the northern city of Gao, is vice-chairman of the ruling Rally for Mali (RPM), which President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita founded.

Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga was President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's campaign director during the latter's successful run for the presidency in 2013.