Determined to effectively manage the current crisis in the northern part of his country, Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure, on Thursday appointed Major General Sadio Gassama, the former Minister of Homeland Security, as Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, PANA learnt from official sources.
He will take over from Natie Plea, a civilian.
On 24 January, Tuareg rebels, under the aegis of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), attacked several locations in northern Mali to demand the independence of that part of the country.
Clashes between the rebels, backed by elements of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and Malian armed and security forces have left several people dead and many injured on both sides.
Malian women and youth have been protesting across the country over the government's handling of attacks by Tuareg rebels.
Addressing the protesters on Thursday, President Toure promised to put at the disposal of the army necessary means to render the rebels harmless.
Pana 03/02/2012
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