Colonel Assimi Goita, the coup leader of Mali, was inaugurated in as transitional president on Monday.
He stated that he guarantees elections next year as international pressure grows.
“I would like to solemnly declare, here and now, my firm determination to take up these challenges, but all this is only possible with the cohesion and solidarity that have always characterised our nation and which are being put to the test,” he said at a ceremony in Bamako.
“On the basis of the roadmap, it is a question of implementing the actions necessary for the success of the transition, particularly the organisation of credible, fair and transparent elections on the scheduled dates”.
“I would like to reassure, in your name, the sub-regional and regional organisations and the international community in general that Mali will honour all its commitments for and in the best interests of the nation.”
On May 24, Goita dismissed the transitional civilian president and prime minister, prompting France, a former colonial power, to halt military assistance.
Mali’s membership in the African Union has also been suspended.
International powers are watching with bated breath to see whether the elections promised during the first coup attempt in 2020 will take place.
The election is scheduled for February 2022.
Mali is critical to the Sahel region’s stability, which is besieged by Jihadist groups.
Maintaining foreign ties is critical given the state of its security forces.
His appointment comes after he staged his second coup in nine months in May, amid widespread criticism of his power grab.
