Astrophysicist Diarra named Mali's interim PM
Cheick Modibo Diarra has been named Mali's new prime minister. By Maximilien Lamy (AFP/File)
BAMAKO (AFP) - Astrophysicist-turned-politician Cheick Modibo Diarra was named interim prime minister of Mali on Tuesday, according to a decree read out over public media.
"Interim president Dioncounda Traore names Cheick Modibo Diarra in the functions of prime minister," read the decree nearly a month after the government of the impoverished Saharan state was overthrown in a coup.