The New Mali President, 68 year old Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was sworn in at a ceremony held in Bamako on Thursday and attended by more than 40 000 people.
More than 20 heads of States attended the ceremony.
French President Francois Hollande was among the guests who attended, Hollande was honoured for the role he played in launching military action against groups linked to Al Quaida who were occupying the Northern parts of Mali.
“We are at the successful conclusion, because it is a victory, a big victory for Mali that we celebrate together today,” said Hollande.
Also present were Idriss Deby of Chad, Alassane Quattara and King Mohammed VI of Morrocco.
Keita won by a landslide victory following elections held on August 11. The elections were followed by a vote off against his rival and Keita emerged as the winner. Keita took his oath on September 4 and his inauguration was delayed until Thursday September 20.
Keita thanked the international community who helped restore the war torn African country. He went on and pledged to be the President of Mali and to
“I will not forget for a moment that you put me where I am to take care of all aspects of the life of our nation. National reconciliation remains the most urgent priority,” he said after taking the oath to preserve the constitution, democracy and the rule of law” said Keita. Immediate challenges faced by Keita include ending corruption, rebuilding the shattered army and creating and maintaining peace with the northern Tuaregs who have been pushed for more autonomy for decades.
Manji Cheto a London based analyst with the Africa Practice think – tank said: “For many Malians and indeed for the international community the conduct of a violence-free election was always a far more desirable outcome than ensuring electoral due process and fairness and in this respect, the peaceful conclusion of the election was sufficient to label the whole exercise a ‘success”.
Hollande praised the return of democracy to Mali and is expected to engage in talks with Keita where they would discuss reconciliation, security, economic recovery and how to fight corruption.
The return to democracy has been praised by Hollande, who will be accompanied by four senior ministers and is expected to hold talks with Keita on security, reconciliation, economic recovery and the fight against corruption.
“I want to reconcile hearts and minds, restore true brotherhood between us so that all the different people can play their part harmoniously in the national symphony,” said Keita.
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