Johannesburg - Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
appointed a new prime minister on Monday, days after the government
resigned amid a spike in violence in the restive West African
country.
Former finance minister Boubou Cisse has now been tasked with leading
a new government, the presidential office announced on Twitter. Cisse
is expected to form a cabinet with the blessing of government and
opposition members.
Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga stepped down as prime minister on Thursday
and his government resigned.
While no reason was given for the move, it came amid heavy criticism
that Maiga had failed to deal with the country's worsening security
situation.
Just weeks before, more than 100 people were killed in an attack by
gunmen on a village in central Mali.
Mali has experienced sporadic attacks by armed groups since a 2012
coup that led to separatist rebels and al-Qaeda-associated groups
gaining a foothold in the country's restive north.