Bah Ndaw, born on August 23, 1950, in San, a town in the Ségou Region of Mali, is a prominent Malian military officer and politician who served as the transitional President of Mali from September 25, 2020, until May 24, 2021.

Ndaw's career began in the Malian military, where he rose through the ranks to become a colonel. He received training both in Mali and abroad, including in the Soviet Union and France. His military career was distinguished by several significant appointments, including serving as the chief of staff of the Malian Air Force. Ndaw was also appointed Minister of Defense in 2014 under President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, a position he held until January 2015. His tenure as defense minister was marked by efforts to reform the Malian military and address the security challenges posed by insurgent groups in the northern part of the country.

In the wake of the 2020 Malian coup d'état, which led to the ousting of President Keïta, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), the junta that seized power, appointed Bah Ndaw as the President of the transitional government. This appointment was part of the efforts to return Mali to civilian rule and restore democratic governance. Ndaw's presidency was characterized by efforts to stabilize the country and organize elections. However, his tenure was fraught with challenges, including tensions with the military, which retained significant influence over the transitional government.

On May 24, 2021, Ndaw was arrested by the military, along with Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, in what was widely seen as a second coup. This led to the end of his presidency, and Assimi Goïta, the leader of the military junta, subsequently assumed the role of transitional president.

Bah Ndaw's brief presidency remains a significant chapter in Mali's turbulent political history, reflecting the ongoing challenges of governance and stability in the country.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah_Ndaw