Press  Release  
        17 August  2013  
        President  Zuma congratulates the President-elect of the Republic of Mali  
        His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has today, on behalf of the  Government and the people of South Africa, congratulated President-elect Ibrahim  Boubacar Keita of the Republic of Mali, on his election.  
        President Zuma stated that: “The successful conclusion of the  election process demonstrated the determination of the Malian people for the  re-establishment of constitutional order and democracy.”  
        “South Africa will continue to engage the Government of Mali and  its people in order to further strengthen bilateral ties and assist Mali as it  emerges from the recent situation of conflict,” said President Zuma.  
        The internationally-supported transition period in Mali will come  to a formal end with the inauguration of the newly-elected President during  September 2013.  
        The democratic Government of Mali was overthrown through a coup  d’état on 21 March 2012. International operations against the rebel movements  began in January 2013, and the United Nations Security Council authorised the  deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).  The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali  (MINUSMA) replaced AFISMA on 01 June 2013.  
        For more  information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974.  
        ISSUED BY  THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION  
        OR Tambo  Building  
            460  Soutpansberg Road  
            Rietondale  
            Pretoria  
          
          
        
           |