Microsoft man gets Mali PM's job but junta retains control
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mali named Microsoft's Africa representative as its caretaker Prime Minister yesterday but its path back to civilian rule was thrown into doubt as soldiers arrested key allies of the ousted president, Amadou Toumani Toure.
The coup emboldened Tuareg-led rebels to seize control of the northern half of the West African country, which security experts now fear could become a haven for al-Qa'ida allies.
The appointment of former Nasa astrophysicist Cheick Modibo Diarra, a political novice whom Microsoft Corp named its "ambassador to Africa" in 2006, was announced by state television. The move was the latest step in restoring constitutional order after the 22 March coup.
But the overnight arrests of leading Toure allies by soldiers underlined that the junta holds sway in the capital Bamako.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments