Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, commonly known as IBK, was a prominent Malian politician who served as the President of Mali from 2013 until 2020. Born on January 29, 1945, in Koutiala, a town in southern Mali, Keïta's early life and education laid the groundwork for his future political career. He pursued higher education in Bamako, Dakar, and Paris, studying history, international relations, and political science. Keïta's time in France was particularly influential, as he became involved with leftist student movements, which shaped his political ideology.

After completing his education, Keïta returned to Mali, where he held various academic and consulting roles before fully entering the political arena. His political career began in earnest in the early 1990s when he became involved in the pro-democracy movement that led to the ousting of President Moussa Traoré. Keïta's involvement in this movement earned him significant recognition, and in 1993, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Mali, a position he held until 2000. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Keïta focused on economic reforms and improving Mali's international relations.

In 2001, Keïta founded the political party Rally for Mali (RPM) and became a leading opposition figure. He ran for president in 2002 but was defeated. However, his persistence paid off when he won the presidential election in 2013, becoming Mali's head of state. His presidency was marked by efforts to restore stability and security in Mali, particularly in the face of ongoing conflicts in the northern regions of the country. Keïta's government worked closely with international partners, including France and the United Nations, to combat Islamist insurgencies and restore order.

Despite these efforts, Keïta's presidency faced significant challenges, including widespread corruption, economic difficulties, and growing dissatisfaction among the population. His government was also criticized for its handling of the conflict in northern Mali, with many feeling that the situation had not improved under his leadership. In August 2020, Keïta was ousted in a military coup following mass protests against his government. The coup was largely driven by frustrations over the government's inability to address the country's security issues and economic problems.

After his ouster, Keïta remained in Mali under house arrest until his health began to deteriorate. He was eventually allowed to seek medical treatment abroad. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta passed away on January 16, 2022, at the age of 76.

REFERENCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibrahim_Boubacar_Ke%C3%AFta