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Mali: Many parliamentary seats to be decided in runoff, as coup leader Gen. Sanogo faces justice
Sanogo named himself president. Although he was forced to step down due to pressure from the economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) just weeks later, he still held the reins of power.
Last May, renagade soldiers allied with Sanogo broke through the security cordon at the presidential compound, and attacked interim leader Dioncounda Traore. The attack was seen by many as Sanogo’s reminder to the country’s civilian administration of who was really in charge.
Among the perks Sanogo was able to secure for himself before fading from the limelight was the salary of an ex-head of state, estimated at more than US$8,000 per month, as well as the rank of general.
“The Malian judge and judiciary have shown that no one, not even a four star general, is above the law. This is a very encouraging step for the victims of the alleged crimes committed by those loyal to Sanogo and for Mali’s struggle to address the culture of impunity,” said Corinne Dufka, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch, who has led 10 missions to Mali to investigate allegations of abuse since the start of the country’s crisis.
Source: Newswires
