His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has today, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, congratulated President-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of the Republic of Mali, on his election.
President Zuma stated that: “The successful conclusion of the election process demonstrated the determination of the Malian people for the re-establishment of constitutional order and democracy.”
“South Africa will continue to engage the Government of Mali and its people in order to further strengthen bilateral ties and assist Mali as it emerges from the recent situation of conflict,” said President Zuma.
The internationally-supported transition period in Mali will come to a formal end with the inauguration of the newly-elected President during September 2013.
The democratic Government of Mali was overthrown through a coup d’état on 21 March 2012. International operations against the rebel movements began in January 2013, and the United Nations Security Council authorised the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA). The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) replaced AFISMA on 1 June 2013.
For more information:
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
