Modibo Keita named new prime minister of Mali

Modibo Keita, the Malian government's representative leading peace talks with rebel groups, was appointed as the country's new prime minister Thursday.

He was appointed by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, according to a presidential decree, Xinhua reported.

Keita replaced Moussa Mara, who resigned as prime minister of the country.

Keita was named Mali's state representative for inter-Malian inclusive dialogue in April, 2014. He served as prime minister in 2002 in the government led by the then President Alpha Oumar Konare.