United States congratulates Keita’s election as Mali President

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday congratulated Mali’s new leader Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on his election victory and vowed to work with him as the country emerges from months of conflict.

“We encourage the candidates and their supporters to accept the results, and to use this election as a foundation for further progress on democracy, national reconciliation, and addressing the security and humanitarian crises in the north,” Obama said in a statement.

“The United States stands with the people and government of Mali as they work to advance peace and stability in Mali and the region.”

Mali’s constitutional court had earlier confirmed Keita’s landslide victory in the 11 August presidential run-off.