Hollande hails Mali presidential election
French President François Hollande on Tuesday called Mali's election of Ibrahim Boubacar Keita "a success for peace and democracy." Seven months after sending troops to oppose Islamist rebels, Hollande vowed France would "stand by" Mali.
Hollande will also travel to the country to attend the inauguration of president-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a source in Hollande's office said.
In a statement, Hollande said the election had been "remarkably transparent" and well organised.
It said he had telephoned Keita to congratulate him on his victory and "assured him that France will stand by Mali".
"What has happened since the French intervention... up to the election of a new Malian president is a success for peace and democracy," Hollande said.
"But now everything must be done to ensure the success of the end of the transition, dialogue and Mali's development."
France sent troops to Mali in January to block a feared advance on the capital Bamako from the north by Islamist fighters, ousting the rebels from their northern strongholds in a lightning advance.
Hollande was hailed as a hero when he visited the former French colony in February and the source in his office said he would return for Keita's inauguration, expected in September.
Comments
See Also
Hollande will also travel to the country to attend the inauguration of president-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a source in Hollande's office said.
In a statement, Hollande said the election had been "remarkably transparent" and well organised.
It said he had telephoned Keita to congratulate him on his victory and "assured him that France will stand by Mali".
"What has happened since the French intervention... up to the election of a new Malian president is a success for peace and democracy," Hollande said.
"But now everything must be done to ensure the success of the end of the transition, dialogue and Mali's development."
France sent troops to Mali in January to block a feared advance on the capital Bamako from the north by Islamist fighters, ousting the rebels from their northern strongholds in a lightning advance.
Hollande was hailed as a hero when he visited the former French colony in February and the source in his office said he would return for Keita's inauguration, expected in September.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.