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Yoro DiakiteMalian political and military leader
Date of Birth: 17.10.1932
Country:  Mali |
Content:
Early Life and Military Career
Yoro Diakité was born on October 17, 1932, in Bangassi, French Sudan (now Mali). Graduating from a French military academy, he served in the French army from 1951. After completing officer training in Fréjus, France, he was assigned to French forces in Senegal.
In 1960, upon Mali's independence, Diakité resigned from the French army and joined the newly established Malian army. He played a significant role in developing Mali's national military.
Rise to Prominence
Diakité's military career advanced, culminating in his appointment as head of Mali's only joint military officer school in Kati. He became the first Malian military officer to author and publish a book, "Une main amie," with a preface written by President Modibo Keïta.
Conspiracy and Coup
Diakité and his assistant, Moussa Traoré, formed the core of a conspiracy to overthrow Keïta's socialist regime. In November 1968, they led a coup that resulted in the arrest of key government officials.
Diakité established a 14-member Military Committee for National Liberation (CMLN) led by Traoré, who became Lieutenant-Colonel. Diakité served as Vice-Chairman of the CMLN and Head of the Provisional Government.
Leadership and Policies
Diakité's government promised to present a new constitution to a referendum, hold general elections, and allow private capital. However, the 1969 referendum was postponed. Diakité introduced policies to improve the economy, including reducing state control and encouraging foreign investment. He also abolished collective farming in villages.
