Africa-Press. The transitional authorities in Mali have announced the appointment of Elhaji Jean Daou as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
The Malian Council of Ministers stated that Elhaji Jean Daou, an officer in the Malian National Guard, has been exceptionally promoted to the rank of General, a move seen as recognition of his professional career and experience within the military institution.
The statement added that General Daou has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Armies, the highest position in the military leadership hierarchy, responsible for coordinating military operations and overseeing various components of the army, alongside tasks related to enhancing national security and supporting stability efforts.
The new general succeeds General Omar Diara, who previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff, amid a rise in attacks that have occurred in several regions of Mali at the end of April.
The head of the transitional authority, General Assimi Goita, is currently serving as Minister of Defense, following the death of Lieutenant Colonel Sadio Kamara, who was killed in an attack on his home in Kati, near Bamako.
Through this decision, the authorities aim to enhance the operational effectiveness and strategic coordination of the Malian armed forces in facing current security challenges.
Mali has been facing repeated terrorist attacks for several years, particularly from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, affiliated with al-Qaeda, which targets, among other things, fuel convoys as well as industrial and mining sites.
