Mali’s Transitional president, Bah N’Daw, has expressed condolences to the family of former Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré (ATT), who died early Tuesday in Istanbul, Turkey.
In a statement, N’Daw said: “On behalf of the Malian people, on my own behalf and on behalf of the former Heads of State, Alpha Oumar Konaré, Dioncounda Traoré and Ibrahim Boubacar Kéita, I extend my most sincere condolences to the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Touré Lobbo Traoré, to his children, to his relatives, as well as to his many friends and supporters.”
President N’Daw continued: “Our grief today is great and it is all the greater as we mourn ATT, a little less than two months after the death of the former President, General Moussa Traoré. The moment is painful, but such is the will of the Almighty.”
A major player in the Malian democracy, ATT had contributed to shaping the face of modern Mali, with road projects and bridges, schools and health centres, access to social housing, drinking water and electricity, N’Daw said, noting that from Kidal (far North Mali) to Kayes (West), via Koulikoro, the districts of Bamako, Mopti, Ségou, Sikasso, Gao and Timbuktu, his imprint will remain strong, his voice will always resonate, and his patriotism will be commended.
He says that President Touré passed away early Tuesday, six days after his 72nd birthday.
He was evacuated a few days ago for medical treatment.