Malian Afropop icon, Salif Keita becomes SA to Military junta leader

Salif Keita, the celebrated Afropop artist hailing from Mali and widely known as the ‘Golden Voice of Africa’, has been appointed as a special advisor to the head of Mali’s military junta. This significant role was formalized through a decree signed by Colonel Assimi Goita, the military leader who orchestrated the removal of the country’s elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, in 2020.

The transitional president, in an official decree dated August 11 and released on August 14, 2023, announced the appointment of five new special advisors, including Salif Keita. However, the specific responsibilities of the singer in his new advisory capacity have not been outlined in the decree.

The 73-year-old artist has been a staunch supporter of the junta, aligning with their stance on national sovereignty and advocating for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from Mali.

Earlier, Salif Keita had submitted a letter of resignation from an assembly formed by the military administration in power since 2020, which was designated to serve as a legislative body. While no explicit reasons were provided for his resignation, he reaffirmed his unwavering friendship towards the country’s soldiers.