Mali's military ruler elevates himself to highest rank, general

By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) – Mali’s military ruler on Thursday elevated himself to the highest rank, that of general, earlier held by only two presidents of the West African nation.

Besides Assimi Goita, five more officers were promoted to the rank of general, an official statement said.

All of them were involved in the 2020 coup which brought Goita to power.

Former presidents Amadou Toumani Toure and Moussa Traore – who also seized power through military coups – had assumed the rank of army general during their rule.

Mali won its independence from France in 1964.

The five other officers promoted include Defense Minister Sadio Camara.