Heeding to the threats of crippling sanctions, junior officer Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo agreed to hold a national convention to decide on a transitional government that would ultimately reinstate the democratic government that previously reigned. Sanogo overthrew Mali's former democratic leader, President Amadou Toumani Toure, and sent him into hiding. President Toure had planned on resigning after the next scheduled presidential election at the end of April (New York Times). .
The rebels are fighting for a homeland for the nomadic Tuareg people. On March 21st, a mutiny took over the Kati military camp. Captain Sanogo quickly became the leader and led the troops to the presidential palace. Additional rebel troops took advantage of the rioting in the capital and quickly seized several other cities, including Gao and Bamako, which have never fallen in any rebellions (New York Times). .
Since the riots, Mali's neighbors have given the country three days to restore order or they will enforce severe economic sanctions, close trade borders, and freeze funding from the regional central bank. "We will work with other leaders as soon as possible, without delay so that this return to constitutional rule will be done," said Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara (Felix). .
For now, Captain Sanogo's announcements have prompted some countries to delay their threats for one week, including the Ivory Coast (New York Times). .
"We take a solemn promise to re-establish from this day on the Constitution of the Republic of Mali of Feb. 25, 1992, as well as the institutions of the republic" (New York Times).
However, many analysts question the credibility of Captain Sanogo's statements, partly because the 1992 Constitution would require President Toure to be reinstated. According to Malick Sarr, a professor of law at the University of Bamako, Captain Sanogo and his leaders may be relying on an article that allows for a transitional period of 24 to 45 days before elections decide on a new president.