Magharebia

After regional mediation failed to break the political deadlock in Mali, coup leader Amadou Sanogo on Monday (May 14th) urged interim leaders to choose a transitional president, AFP reported. Sanogo said that he had called for a nominating convention to be led by interim leader Diancounda Traore.

Sanogo, who led the military coup that ousted Amadou Toumani Toure's government on March 22nd, adheres to a constitutional point that limits the interim government to 40 days.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), however, wants Traore to continue leading the interim government for 12 months.

ECOWAS mediators quit the country on Saturday after failing to reach an agreement.