Diaw was second in command of the military junta that took power after Keita's ouster.

The 121-seat new legislature for the West African state's transition to civilian rule convened for the first time in the capital Bamako.

On August 18, elements of the Malian Armed Forces began a mutiny. Soldiers on pick-up trucks stormed the Soundiata military base in the town of Kati, where gunfire was exchanged before weapons were distributed from the armory and senior officers arrested.

Tanks and armoured vehicles were seen on the town's streets, as well as military trucks heading for the capital, Bamako.

The soldiers detained several government officials including the President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta who resigned and dissolved the government.

This was the country's second coup in less than 10 years, following the 2012 coup d'état.