Mali swears in new judges in hope of calming crisis
New judges at Mali Constitutional Court were sworn in Monday in the capital Bamako, after being appointed in a bid to end a months-long political crisis in the fragile country.
The nine new judges — six men and three women — took office during a ceremony attended by embattled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, diplomats and prominent members of Malian civil society.
The 75-year-old president, wearing a protective face mask and visor, had the appointees vow to conduct themselves as “worthy and loyal” judges.
Their appointment was aimed at helping to calm a deep political impasse between Keita and an increasingly strident opposition which is intent on securing his resignation.
Last month, 11 people died over three days of unrest following an anti-Keita protest in the worst political strife Mali has seen in years.
Heads of government from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stepped in, suggesting on July 27 the formation of a new unity government to include opposition members, while sticking by Keita.
They also urged the appointment of the new Constitutional Court judges to resolve a festering election dispute, among other measures
