2012-08-13
More than 50,000 people gathered in Bamako's largest stadium on Sunday (August 12th) for a peace and reconciliation rally, Journal du Mali reported. Preacher Cherif Ousmane Madani Haidara opened the event by saying, "I ask you all to forget grudges, forgive and join hands to rebuild Mali".
Mali's High Islamic Council organised the gathering, which was attended by Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra and other officials.
"Let us pray for Mali, let us pray for peace," said Council head Mahmoud Dicko, who recently participated in mediation talks with the Islamists holding the north of the country.
Meanwhile, interim president Dioncounda Traore on Sunday "renewed his confidence" in Diarra and asked the interim prime minister "to make proposals on forming a government of national unity", AFP reported. The announcement followed talks held Saturday by Traore, political parties and the former ruling junta.
Future members of the national unity government demanded by ECOWAS may be named by Tuesday at the latest. Army chiefs of staff from the West African body are presently meeting in Bamako to discuss possible military intervention in northern Mali.
© Magharebia.com 2012
