MALIAN Prime Minister Mande Sidibe resigned on Monday, less than six weeks before presidential elections, and was immediately replaced by presidential secretary-general Modibo Keita. A communiqu issued by President Alpha Oumar Konare’s office said that Keita would organise the elections keeping in mind that the administration must be neutral. The polls will be held on April 28. Sources close to the president’s office said that Sidibe’s resignation seemed to indicate that he could announce his candidacy. – AFP
Wednesday March 13, 2002