Moussa Traoré facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moussa Traoré
Moussa Traoré in 1989
2nd President of Mali
In office 19 November 1968 – 26 March 1991
Deputy	Yoro Diakité Amadou Baba Diarra [fi]
Preceded by	Modibo Keïta
Succeeded by	Amadou Toumani Touré
Personal details
Born	(1936-09-25)25 September 1936 Kayes, French Sudan (now Mali)
Died	15 September 2020(2020-09-15) (aged 83) Bamako, Mali
Political party	Military (later UDPM)
Spouse	Mariam Traoré
Military service
Allegiance	Mali
Branch/service	Malian Army
Years of service	1960–1976
Rank	Major General
Battles/wars	Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)
Criminal details
Conviction	Death of an estimated 300 protesters
Target	protesters to his regime
Victims	200+
Period	1991
Penalty	Capital punishment 1993,1999
Imprisoned	Markala Prison

Moussa Traoré (born September 25, 1936 – died September 15, 2020) was a soldier and politician from Mali. He served as the President of Mali from 1968 to 1991. As a young army officer, he led a military takeover of the government in 1968. He then became the head of the country. In March 1991, he was removed from power by public protests and another military takeover.

After his time as president, he was found guilty of serious crimes related to his rule. He was sentenced to death twice in the 1990s. However, he was later forgiven and set free in 2002. He then lived a quiet life away from politics until he passed away in 2020.

Early Life and Military Career

Moussa Traoré was born in the Kayes Region of Mali. He went to school in Kita, Mali. Later, he studied at a military academy in Fréjus, France. In 1960, after Mali became independent, he returned home.

He quickly rose through the ranks in the army. By 1961, he was a second lieutenant. In 1963, he became a lieutenant. He also worked as a military instructor in Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania). After that, he taught at the military school in Kati, Mali.

Leading Mali: 1968–1991

Taking Power in 1968

On November 19, 1968, Moussa Traoré was part of a group of soldiers. They led a military takeover that removed President Modibo Keïta from power. Traoré became the head of a special military committee. This made him the effective leader of Mali.

After the takeover, all political activities were stopped. The government became very strict. Informers watched teachers and professors who did not support the military rule. The new government also changed some of the old economic policies. From 1972 to 1973, Mali faced a severe drought.

Changes and Elections

In 1974, Traoré introduced a new constitution. It was meant to move Mali towards civilian rule. However, military leaders still held the real power. In 1976, a new political party was formed. It was called the Democratic Union of the Malian People (UDPM).

In June 1979, Mali held elections. Only one party, the UDPM, was allowed. Moussa Traoré was the leader of the UDPM. He was automatically elected president for six years. He won with almost all the votes. The UDPM was supposed to connect the government with the people. It had groups for women and young people that everyone had to join.

Challenges and Protests

In 1977, former president Modibo Keïta died while in detention. This caused many questions and concerns. The government reacted strongly and made many arrests. In 1978, Moussa Traoré arrested two of his own ministers. They were accused of planning a takeover.

Traoré tried to make some changes. He appointed a historian, Alpha Oumar Konaré, as the arts minister. But in 1980, student protests were stopped by force. A student leader named Abdoul Karim Camara died after being arrested. In 1982, Traoré became the commander-in-chief of the army. He also led the Organization of African Unity from 1988 to 1989.

Traoré was reelected president in 1985. Again, he was the only candidate. Later that year, the UDPM changed the constitution. This allowed him to serve more than two terms as president.

Growing Dissatisfaction

The political situation was stable for a while in the 1980s. The UDPM party gained more members. It showed it could speak up against local government problems. The government also focused on Mali's economic issues. They made plans to improve farming and state-owned businesses. They also worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, by 1990, people were unhappy. The IMF's economic plans required strict spending. Many felt that the president and his friends were not following these rules themselves. Like in other African countries, people started demanding a multi-party democracy. Traoré allowed some changes, like an independent press. But he insisted that Mali was not ready for full democracy.

Opposition and Overthrow

In 1990, new groups were formed to challenge Moussa Traoré's rule. These included the National Congress for Democratic Initiative (CNID) and the Alliance for Democracy in Mali (ADEMA). Student and human rights groups also joined them. They all wanted a more open political system.

On March 22, 1991, a large protest happened in Bamako. The government used force to stop it. Around 150 people were killed. Four days later, the head of Traoré's presidential guard, Colonel Amadou Toumani Touré, removed Traoré from office. He was then arrested. A temporary committee was set up to lead the country. This committee, led by Touré, helped Mali move towards democracy within a year.

Trials and Pardons

After his arrest, Moussa Traoré was held in Markala Prison. In February 1993, he was found guilty of serious crimes. These crimes were mainly related to the deaths of many pro-democracy protesters in Bamako. He was sentenced to death, but this sentence was later changed.

In 1999, he and his wife, Mariam Traoré, were again found guilty. This time, it was for misusing government money. They had taken about US$350,000 during his time in power. President Alpha Oumar Konaré changed their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Just before leaving office, on May 29, 2002, President Konaré pardoned Moussa Traoré and his wife. This was done to help bring the country together. The new president, Amadou Toumani Touré, also supported this decision.

After being pardoned, Moussa Traoré and his wife lived a private life. They were no longer involved in public affairs.

Death

Moussa Traoré passed away on September 15, 2020. He died ten days before his 84th birthday.

See also

In Spanish: Moussa Traoré para niños