President George Weah has expressed deep sadness at the news of the passing of former Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who is reported to have died on Sunday, January 16, 2022, in his hometown in Bamako. The late Former President Keita died at the age of 76 years.
President Weah described former president Keita as a towering figure of Malian politics, who played his part in tackling the country’s security challenges during his time in office. He was exiled in 2020 following a military coup. He experienced ill health in the succeeding months.
According to the Executive Mansion, “IBK”, as the former president was affectionately called by many Malians, served as Prime Minister in the 90s; he was elected president in 2013 in a landslide victory. However, his 7-years rule is regarded as one of the most turbulent, when the country dealt with increasingly aggressive Islamists insurgency in the North and Street protests.
Mr. Weah on behalf of Liberia has extended condolences to the government and people of Mali, including the family of the late president and all those impacted by his loss.
