List of Malians
Encyclopedia
Scholars of Sankore Madrasah
Scholars wrote their own books as part of a socioeconomic model. Students were charged with copying these books and any other books they could get their hands on. Today there are over 700,000 manuscripts in Timbuktu with many dating back to West Africa's Golden Age (12th-16th centuries).- Ahmad Baba al MassufiAhmad Baba al MassufiAhmad Baba al-Massufi al-Tinbukti, full name Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ahmad al-Takruri Al-Massufi al-Timbukti , was a medieval West African writer, scholar, and political provocateur in the area then known as the Western Sudan...
(1556–1627) - Mohammed BagayogoMohammed BagayogoMohammed Bagayogo Es Sudane Al Wangari Al Timbukti was an eminent scholar from Timbuktu, Mali. He was the Sheik and professor of highly esteemed scholar, Ahmed Baba and teacher at the University of Sankore, one of three philosophical schools in Mali during West Africa's golden age ; the other two...
- Al-Qadi Aqib ibn Mahmud ibn UmarAl-Qadi Aqib ibn Mahmud ibn UmarSheik Sidi Abu Al Barakaat Mahmud ibn Umar ibn Aqit was also known as Sheik Al Islam Abu Al Barakaat. He was the Supreme Judge of Timbuktu, Imam and the Dean of Sankore University, in Mali.- External links :*...
Writers
- Ahmad Baba al MassufiAhmad Baba al MassufiAhmad Baba al-Massufi al-Tinbukti, full name Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Ahmad al-Takruri Al-Massufi al-Timbukti , was a medieval West African writer, scholar, and political provocateur in the area then known as the Western Sudan...
(1556–1627) - Abdoulaye AscofaréAbdoulaye AscofaréAbdoulaye Ascofaré is a Malian poet and filmmaker.-Biography:Ascofaré was a radio host until 1978, at which point he became a teacher at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako...
(born 1949) - Ibrahima AyaIbrahima Aya-Biography:Ibrahima Aya studied agronomy in the Moldavian SSR. He became an agronomist, notable for an integrated lake development project, and a consultant for the organisation for Malian aid and development, Aide et Développement au Mali. Since 2001, he has worked as an independent consultant. In...
(born 1967) - Amadou Hampâté BâAmadou Hampâté BâAmadou Hampâté Bâ was a Malian writer and ethnologist.-Biography:...
(1900–1991) - Adame Ba KonaréAdame Ba KonaréAdame Ba Konaré is a noted Malian historian and writer who is married to Alpha Oumar Konaré, former President of Mali. She is active in several causes for newborns and refugees....
(born 1947) - Massa Makan DiabatéMassa Makan DiabatéMassa Makan Diabaté was a Malian historian, author, and playwright.-Biography:Born in 1938 in Kita, Massa Makan Diabaté was the descendant of a long line of West African poets ....
(1938–1988) - Souéloum DiaghoSouéloum DiaghoSouéloum Diagho, the contemporary Tuareg poet, comes from Tessalit in the North of Mali. His father is a Tuareg and his mother a Fula. He is married and lived for a time in Belgium...
- Aïda Mady DialloAïda Mady DialloAïda Mady Diallo is a French-born Malian novelist and director. After passing her childhood in France and receiving a college degree in Uzbekistan, Diallo moved to Mali...
- Alpha Mandé DiarraAlpha Mandé DiarraAlpha Mande Diarra is a Malian author, born in 1954. He studied veterinary medicine in France at the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort. He is a practicing veterinarian at Bamako and Fara in his native Mali.-Bibliography:* 1981 Sahel, sanglante sécheresse - Présence Africaine *...
(born 1954) - Doumbi FakolyDoumbi Fakoly-Biography:Born in 1944 in Kita, Mali, Doumbi Fakoly spent his childhood in Senegal. He went on to study in France, where he obtained a degree in banking...
(born 1944) - Aoua KéitaAoua KéitaAoua Kéita was a Malian independence activist and writer from Mali. She was a member of the African Democratic Rally and has been described as a militant member. In 1950 renounced her French citizenship and in the following year she led to the party's success in elections...
(1912–1980) - Moussa KonatéMoussa KonatéMoussa Konaté is a Malian writer, born in 1951 in Kita, Mali.A graduate in Humanities at Mali's Ecole Normale Supérieure in Bamako, he was a teacher for several years before turning to writing...
- Yambo OuologuemYambo OuologuemYambo Ouologuem is a Malian writer. His first novel, Le Devoir de Violence , won the Prix Renaudot. He later published Lettre à la France nègre , and Les mille et une bibles du sexe under the pseudonym Utto Rodolph...
(born 1940) - Bernadette Sanou DaoBernadette Sanou DaoBernadette Sanou Dao is a Burkinabé author and politician. At age 11 her family returned to Burkina Faso from Mali. She attended Kolog-Naba college in Ouagadougou and later Ohio University in the United States and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. From 1986 to 1987 she was Burkina Faso's Minister for...
(born 1952) - Aminata TraoréAminata TraoréAminata Dramane Traoré is a Malian author, politician, and political activist. She served as the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Mali from 1997 to 2000 and is a former coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme...
(born 1942) - Falaba Issa TraoréFalaba Issa TraoréFalaba Issa Traoré was a Malian writer, comedian, playwright, and theatre and film director.Born in Bougouni, Traoré directed an amateur theater troupe before taking over direction of the regional troupe of Bamako between 1962 and 1968...
(1930–2003)
Film directors
- Abdoulaye AscofaréAbdoulaye AscofaréAbdoulaye Ascofaré is a Malian poet and filmmaker.-Biography:Ascofaré was a radio host until 1978, at which point he became a teacher at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako...
- Souleymane CisséSouleymane Cissé-Biography:Raised in a Muslim family, Souleymane Cissé was a passionate cinephile from childhood. He attended secondary school in Dakar, and returned to Mali in 1960 after national independence....
- Adama DraboAdama DraboAdama Drabo was a Malian filmmaker and playwright.- Biography :Adama Drabo showed an interest in film since his childhood in the Malian capital of Bamako...
- Assane KouyatéAssane Kouyaté-Biography:Assane Kouyaté was born in Bamako in 1954. In 1976 he got his degree in arts from the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Bamako, then went to the Moscow Institute of Cinema and Television, where he got his Diploma of Study of Cinema in 1989....
- Cheick Oumar SissokoCheick Oumar SissokoCheick Oumar Sissoko is a Malian film director and politician.-Biography:As a student in Paris, Cheick Oumar Sissoko obtained a DEA in African History and Sociology and a diploma in History and Cinema from the Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales...
- Falaba Issa TraoréFalaba Issa TraoréFalaba Issa Traoré was a Malian writer, comedian, playwright, and theatre and film director.Born in Bougouni, Traoré directed an amateur theater troupe before taking over direction of the regional troupe of Bamako between 1962 and 1968...
Griots
- Abdoulaye DiabatéAbdoulaye DiabatéAbdoulaye Diabaté is a singer and guitarist who was born to Griot family in Kela, Mali in 1956. He has at least twenty years of experience in contemporary and popular music.-Life:...
- Sibiri Samakehttp://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/sibiri_samake_28888
- Baba SissokoBaba SissokoBaba Sissoko is a musician and vocalist. Sissoko is a master of the talking drums...
- Bakari SumanoBakari SumanoBakari Sumano was head of Malian association of griots from 1994 until his death.Bakari Sumano left school in 1955 to become a mechanic's apprentice, but continued to take night classes in history and typing. In 1957, he received a position at the Social Security Office...
(1935-2003) - Balla TounkaraBalla Tounkara-Early life:He was born in Mali into a family of griots, who traditionally played music to the kings of the Malian Empire in their royal court. He started to learn the Kora as a child.-Current activities:...
- Djelimady TounkaraDjelimady TounkaraDjelimady Tounkara is a Malian musician and one of the foremost guitarists in Africa.Born in the culturally rich town of Kita, west of the Malian capital, Bamako, Djelimady grew up surrounded with traditional music played by members of his family, griots, musicians and historians by birth....
Musicians
- Issa BagayogoIssa BagayogoIssa Bagayogo is a Malian musician. He has released four full-length albums all under the record label Six Degrees Records. Bagayogo lends his voice and plays the kamele n'goni while Yves Wernert is the producer and keyboardist.-Career:Bagayogo blends his native Malian traditions with western pop...
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/issa_bagayogo_12078[] - Afel BocoumAfel BocoumAfel Bocoum is a musician from Mali, noted as a singer and guitarist. He began his career as a member of Ali Farka Toure's group ASCO, and Toure is often regarded as his mentor. Both men come from the town of Niafunke on the River Niger, and are members of the Sonrai people...
- Fanta DambaFanta DambaFanta Damba is a Malian jalimuso known to her fans as La Grand Vedette Malienne. She began singing as a child, growing up in a family of musicians. She began recording in her early twenties with Radio Mali. In 1975, she became the first jalimuso to tour Europe solo...
- Kasse Mady Diabatéhttp://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/kasse_mady_diabate_22052
- Nainy Diabatehttp://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/nainy_diabate_34416
- Toumani DiabatéToumani DiabatéToumani Diabaté is a Malian kora player. In addition to performing the traditional music of Mali, he has also been involved in cross-cultural collaborations with flamenco, blues, jazz, and other international styles.-Biography:...
- Yaya DialloYaya DialloYaya Diallo is a Malian drummer, author, and recording artist in the genres of traditional African music and world music...
- Nahawa Doumbiahttp://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/nahawa_doumbia_22220[]
- Tiken Jah FakolyTiken Jah FakolyTiken Jah Fakoly is a reggae singer from Côte d'Ivoire.Tiken Jah was born into a family of griots and christened Doumbia Moussa Fakoly on June 23, 1968 in Odienné, north-western Côte d'Ivoire. He discovered reggae at an early age, assembling his first group, Djelys, in 1987...
- Mory KantéMory KantéMory Kanté is a vocalist and player of the kora harp. He was born into one of Guinea's best known families of griot musicians...
- Salif KeitaSalif KeitaSalif Keïta is an internationally recognized afro-pop singer-songwriter from Mali. He is unique not only because of his reputation as the Golden Voice of Africa, but because he has albinism and is a direct descendant of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita...
- Mamani KeitaMamani KeitaMamani Keita is a singer and musician from Mali, best known for her album with Marc Minelli, Electro Bamako. She was raised speaking Bambara, and was once a backup singer for Salif Keita. She is credited on four tracks of the soundtrack album of the French animated film Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages...
- Habib KoitéHabib KoitéHabib Koité is a Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist. His supporting cast, Bamada, is a super-group of West African talent, including Kélétigui Diabaté playing balafon.- Musical style :...
- Kandia KouyatéKandia KouyatéKandia Kouyaté is a Malian jelimuso and kora player; she has earned the prestigious title of ngara, and is sometimes appellated La dangereuse and La grande vedette malienne...
- Moussa KouyateMoussa KouyateMoussa Kouyate is a kora player from Bamako, Mali. His father, Batrou Sekou Kouyate, was also a prominent kora player.-Biography:In 2003, Moussa Kouate came to Finland to record his album "Finlandiafrica", which was produced by Marco Tikkanen, which has been highly acclaimed in his home country...
- Sara M'BodjiSara M'BodjiSara M'Bodji is a female musician from Mali, West Africa. She plays kora and sings traditional and contemporary lyrics. According to her own statement she was one of the first women to be allowed into the professional group of the Griots which has otherwise been strictly reserved to men.-External...
- Amadou et Mariam
- Aska Modibu[]
- Fanta SackoFanta SackoFanta Sacko is a Malian musician, whose debut, self-titled LP launched the bajourou music genre. She has helped establish a female singing tradition in Mali, which makes that country unique in West Africa, where female popular musicians are not generally approved of.-References:...
- Oumou SangaréOumou SangaréOumou Sangare is a Malian Wassoulou musician, sometimes referred to as "The Songbird of Wassoulou." Wassoulou is a historic region south of the Niger River, and the music there is descended from traditional hunting songs, and is accompanied by a calabash...
- Ko Kan Ko SataKo Kan Ko SataKo Kan Ko Sata is a musician from southern Mali. She plays the kamelen n'goni, a traditional eight-stringed lute, and is said to be the only woman who plays this instrument....
- Baba SissokoBaba SissokoBaba Sissoko is a musician and vocalist. Sissoko is a master of the talking drums...
- Jali Nyama SusoJali Nyama SusoJali Nyama Suso was a kora player from Gambia. He had a program on "Radio Gambia" for 20 years. He had his first album in 1971 while he was teaching at the University of Washington. In the 1980s he toured in England, France, Germany, and Sweden.He also worked on the soundtrack for Roots...
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll - TinariwenTinariwenTinariwen is a band of Tuareg-Berber musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali. The band was formed around 1979 in refugee camps in Libya but returned to Mali after a cease-fire in the 1990s...
- Djelimady TounkaraDjelimady TounkaraDjelimady Tounkara is a Malian musician and one of the foremost guitarists in Africa.Born in the culturally rich town of Kita, west of the Malian capital, Bamako, Djelimady grew up surrounded with traditional music played by members of his family, griots, musicians and historians by birth....
- Ali Farka TouréAli Farka TouréAli Ibrahim “Farka” Touré was a Malian singer and guitarist, and one of the African continent’s most internationally renowned musicians. His music is widely regarded as representing a point of intersection of traditional Malian music and its North American cousin, the blues...
- Vieux Farka TouréVieux Farka TouréBoureima "Vieux" Farka Touré is a Malian singer and guitarist. He is the son of Grammy-winning Malian musician Ali Farka Touré.-Biography:Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981 to Ali Farka Touré...
- Boubacar TraoréBoubacar TraoréBoubacar Traoré is a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Traoré also goes by the nickname Kar Kar, "the one who dribbles too much" in Bambara, a reference to his soccer playing: "a nickname I got from playing soccer when I was young...
- Lobi TraoréLobi TraoréLobi Traoré was a Malian musician. He was born in the village of Bakaridianna, on the Niger River close to Ségou and died in Bamako. His singing has been described in The Economist as "flat, strangely penetrating tone, somewhere between rap and blues".His breakthrough album, Bamako, produced by...
- Rokia TraoréRokia TraoréRokia Traoré is a Victoires de la Musique award-winning Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born in Mali as a member of the Bambara ethnic group, her father was a diplomat and she travelled widely in her youth. She visited such countries as Algeria, Saudi Arabia, France and Belgium and was...
Religious figures
- Julien Mory SidibéJulien Mory SidibéJulien Mory Sidibé was bishop of Mali from 1974 until his death.-Biography:Born into a Muslim family in the village of Goualala, Mali. Julien Mory Sidibé began his education at a local Catholic missionary school, later studying at the seminary at Goumi in Upper Volta . In 1957, he was ordained a...
-Catholic bishop. - Sidi YahyaSidi YahyaSidi Yahya is a mosque and madrassa of Timbuktu in the West African country of Mali which finished construction in 1440. Sidi Yahya along with Djinguereber and Sankore compose the "University" of Timbuktu.-History:...
-Mosque/Madrassah named for him.
Partial list of mansas of the Mali Empire
- Sundiata KeitaSundiata KeitaSundiata Keita, Sundjata Keyita, Mari Djata I or just Sundiata was the founder of the Mali Empire and celebrated as a hero of the Malinke people of West Africa in the semi-historical Epic of Sundiata....
(1240–1255) - Wali KeitaMansa Wali KeitaMansa Uli , also known as Ali or Wali in Arab sources, was the second mansa of the Mali Empire.Born under the name Yérélinkon, he was the only biological son of the legendary Sundiata Keita...
(1255–1270) - Ouati KeitaOuati KeitaMansa Wati was the third mansa of the Mali Empire reigning from 1270 to 1274.Mansa Wati was one of two adopted children from among Sundjata's generals. He was raised in the royal court as a prince alongside the previous mansa Uli and another adopted sibling named Khalifa...
(1270–1274) - Khalifa KeitaKhalifa Keita'Mansa Khalifawas the fourth mansa of the Mali Empire. He ruled the empire for only a year from 1274 to his assassination in 1275.Mansa Khalifa or Khalifah was an adopted son of the legendary founder Sundiata Keita. Like Mansa Wati before him, Khalifa was actually the son of an imperial general...
(1274–1275) - Abu BakrAbu Bakr (mansa)Abu Bakr, also known as Abubakari I or Manding Bory, was the fifth Mansa of the Mali Empire, reigning from 1275 to 1285.He was born Manding Bory to mother Namandjé, third wife to Naré Maghan kon Fatta...
(1275–1285) - SakuraSakura (mansa)Mansa Sakura or Mansa Sakoura was the sixth mansa of the Mali Empire. A slave at birth, Sakura was freed and became a general in the army of Sundiata Keita, legendary founder of the Mali Empire. After a debilitating struggle for succession between Sundiata's sons Ouati Keita and Khalifa Keita and...
(1285–1300) - GaoGao (mansa)Gao was Mansa of the Mali Empire from 1300 to 1305.Mansa Gao was one of two sons of Kolonkan. Kolonkan was a sister of the legendary founder Sundiata Keita. The mansa assumed the throne following the murder of the usurper Sakura on his return from the hajj. He ruled until 1305, when he was...
(1300–1305) - Mohammed ibn GaoMohammed ibn GaoMansa Mohammed ibn Gao was mansa of the Mali Empire from 1305 to 1310.Mansa Mohammed ibn Gao, as his name suggests, was the son of his predecessor, Mansa Gao. He inherited the throne following his father's death in 1305 and ruled until being succeeded by his uncle, Abubakari II in 1310.-See...
(1305–1310) - Abubakari IIAbubakari IIAbu Bakr II may have been the ninth mansa of the Mali Empire. He succeeded his nephew Mansa Mohammed ibn Gao and preceded Kankou Musa I...
(1310–1312) - Kankan Musa IMansa MusaMusa I , commonly referred to as Mansa Musa, was the tenth mansa, which translates as "king of kings" or "emperor", of the Malian Empire...
(1312–1337) - MaghanMaghanMaghan I was a mansa of the Mali Empire, following his father Kankan Musa I's death in 1337. Aside from legendary founder Sundiata, Kankan Musa I is generally regarded as the most successful of the Malian emperors, and Maghan inherited the empire at the height of its glory. He reigned for only four...
(1337–1341) - SuleymanSuleyman (mansa)Suleyman was mansa of the Mali Empire from 1341 to 1360. The brother of the powerful Kankan Musa I, he succeeded Musa's son Maghan to the throne in 1341...
(1341–1360) - KassaKassa (mansa)Mansa Camba, also known as Mansa Kassa, briefly acted as mansa of the Mali Empire in 1360. Nephew of the powerful Mansa Kankan Musa I and son of Mansa Suleyman, Kassa assumed the throne following his father's 1360 death. He was succeeded the same year by Mansa Maghan's son Mari Diata II. Tesfaun...
(1360) - Mari Diata IIMari Diata IIMari Diata II was mansa of the Mali Empire from 1360 to 1374.Son of Mansa Maghan, he assumed the throne following the brief 1360 reign of Mansa Kankan Musa I's nephew Kassa...
(1360–1374) - Musa II (1374–1387)
- Magha IIMagha IIMaghan II was mansa of the Mali Empire from 1387 to 1389. He was the son of Mansa Mari Diata II and the brother of Mansa Musa II.Tunisian historian Ibn Khaldun records that Maghan II succeeded his brother to the throne in 1387, but reigned for only two years before his throne was usurped by Sandaki...
(1387–1389) - SandakiSandakiMansa Sandaki or Sandaki Mari Djata, also known as Sandiki or Santigi, was a mansa of the Mali Empire from 1389 to 1390.-As Sandaki of Musa II:...
(1389–1390) - MahmudMahmud (mansa)Maghan III, also known as Mahmud I, was mansa of the Mali Empire from 1390 to about 1400. He assumed the throne following the usurper Sandaki, who ruled for only two years.-See also:*Mali Empire*Keita Dynasty...
(1390–1400)
Note: As the Mali Empire and the modern nation of Mali substantially overlap most of these names likely do apply, but some may not.
Bambara Empire
- Bitòn CoulibalyBitòn CoulibalyBitòn Coulibaly founded the Bambara Empire in what is now Mali's Ségou Region and Mopti Region....
- Ngolo DiarraNgolo DiarraNgolo Diarra was the king of the Bambara Empire from 1766 to 1795.Following the 1755 death of empire founder Bitòn Coulibaly, his descendants proved unable to maintain control, the kingdom fell briefly into anarchy. Ngolo Diarra, a freed slave, seized the throne in 1766 and soon restored order...
(1766–1795) - Mansong DiarraMansong DiarraMansong Diarra was ruler of the Bambara Empire from 1795 to 1808. Son of king Ngolo Diarra, Mansong assumed the throne of Ségou following his father's death. Mansong is remembered as a great warrior; among his notable accomplishments is the taking of Tomboctou . His son Da Diarra succeeded...
(1795–1808)
Massina Empire
- Seku AmaduSeku AmaduSeku Amadu was the founder of the Fula Massina Empire in what is now the Mopti Region of Mali...
(1820–1845) - Amadu SekuAmadu Seku-External links:* *....
(1845–1852) - Amadu AmaduAmadu AmaduAmadu Amadu was the last ruler of the Fula Massina Empire in what is now the Mopti Region of Mali...
(1852–1862)
Modern politicians
- Ahmed Mohamed ag HamaniAhmed Mohamed ag HamaniAhmed Mohamed ag Hamani, born , was the Prime Minister of Mali from 2002 until 2004.Hamani was born in Goundam. He became a technical advisor to the Minister of the Plan in 1975 before entering the government on January 7, 1978 as Minister for the Supervision of Companies and State Enterprises...
- Soumaïla CisséSoumaïla CisséSoumaïla Cissé is a Malian politician.Born in Timbuctu, Soumaïla Cissé studied at l'Institut des Sciences de l'Ingénieur de Montpellier in France to become a software engineer...
- Mamadou DembeléMamadou DembeléMamadou Dembelé is a physician and former Malian politician. Dembelé served as Prime Minister from 6 June 1986 to 6 June 1988 under President Moussa Traoré. He was a member of the Democratic Union of the Malian People.-Source:...
-Former Prime Minister. - Yoro DiakitéYoro DiakitéYoro Diakité was a Malian politician and military figure. Diakite was the Prime Minister of Mali from 19 November 1968 to 18 September 1969. He died in the Taoudenni prison camp in June 1973.-References:...
-Former Prime Minister. - Sidibé Aminata DialloSidibé Aminata Diallo-Academia:Diallo is a member of the faculty of Economic Sciences and Management at the University of Bamako, where she specializes in land management.-Politics:...
- Daba DiawaraDaba DiawaraDaba Diawara is a Malian politician.Daba Diawara was born in Bamako, son of Gabou Diawara, former minister and political ally of the first president, Modibo Keïta. He pursued his education in public law in Dakar and in Paris, where he received a doctorate at the University of Paris in 1987.After...
- Moustapha DickoMoustapha DickoMoustapha Dicko is President of Malian Parliamentarian group ADEMA-PASJ and a member of the Pan-African Parliament.-External links:*...
- Tiébilé DraméTiébilé DraméTiébilé Dramé is a Malian politician.Dramé was born in Nioro du Sahel. He studied at the Ecole normale supérieure in Bamako before obtaining his Advanced studies diploma in African history from the University of Paris...
- Ibrahim Boubacar KeïtaIbrahim Boubacar KeïtaIbrahim Boubacar Keïta is a Malian politician. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 1994 to 2000 and President of the National Assembly of Mali from 2002 to 2007. He is currently the President of the Rally for Mali political party....
- Modibo KeïtaModibo KeïtaModibo Keita ; was the first President of Mali and the Prime Minister of the Mali Federation. He espoused a form of African socialism.-Youth:...
- Alpha Oumar KonaréAlpha Oumar KonaréAlpha Oumar Konaré was the President of Mali for two five-year terms , and was Chairperson of the African Union Commission from 2003 to 2008.-Scholarly career:...
- Garan Fabou KouyateGaran Fabou KouyateGaran Fabou Kouyaté is a member of Mali's Higher Islamic Council and a former member of the CENI on behalf of the religious groups, and the first general secretary of the Fédération Malienne de Football . Kouyaté is a well-known and respected man in Mali...
- Aoua KéitaAoua KéitaAoua Kéita was a Malian independence activist and writer from Mali. She was a member of the African Democratic Rally and has been described as a militant member. In 1950 renounced her French citizenship and in the following year she led to the party's success in elections...
- Choguel Kokalla MaïgaChoguel Kokalla MaïgaChoguel Kokalla Maïga is a Malian politician.Born in Tabango, in the Gao Region, Maïga is a telecommunications engineer by profession, and is a close associate of Moussa Traoré. He was once a member of the National Youth Union of Mali. In February 1997 he became president of the Patriotic...
-Patriotic Movement for RenewalPatriotic Movement for RenewalThe Patriotic Movement for Renewal is a political party in Mali.The MPR candidate in the presidential election held on 28 April 2002 was Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who won 2.7 % of the vote.... - Ousmane Issoufi MaïgaOusmane Issoufi MaïgaOusmane Issoufi Maïga was the Prime Minister of Mali from 2004 to 2007. Issoufi had previously held several ministerial posts in previous governments.Issoufi was born near Gao, in the north of Mali...
- Moctar OuaneMoctar OuaneMoctar Ouane is a Malian diplomat and politician. He served in the government of Mali as Minister of Foreign Affairs from May 2004 to April 2011.-Diplomatic career:...
- Ahmed Diane SemegaAhmed Diane SemegaAhmed Diane Semega is a Malian politician. He is the former Minister of Mines, Energy and Water, and the current Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.-References:...
- Mandé SidibéMandé SidibéMandé Sidibé was Prime Minister of Mali from 2000 to 2002 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ecobank from 2006 to 2009...
- Sidibe Korian SidibeSidibe Korian SidibeSidibe Korian Sidbe is a Deputy in the National Assembly of Mali and a member of the Pan-African Parliament.-External links:*...
- Cheick Oumar SissokoCheick Oumar SissokoCheick Oumar Sissoko is a Malian film director and politician.-Biography:As a student in Paris, Cheick Oumar Sissoko obtained a DEA in African History and Sociology and a diploma in History and Cinema from the Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales...
- Soumana SackoSoumana SackoDr. Soumana Sako is a Malian politician and economist. Sacko served as Prime Minister from 9 April 1991 to 9 June 1992 during the first and transitional presidency of Amadou Toumani Touré.-Other positions:...
-Former Prime Minister - Abdoulaye Sékou SowAbdoulaye Sékou SowAbdoulaye Sékou Sow is a former Malian politician. Sow served as Prime Minister from 12 April 1993 to 4 February 1994 under President Alpha Oumar Konaré.- Career :Sow was director of the École Nationale d'Administration...
-Former Prime Minister - Ousmane SyOusmane SyOusmane Sy is a Malian politician.Ousmane Sy was born in Bandiagara, Mali. He received his higher education in France. He holds a Doctorate in Economic and Social Development and two advanced Diplomas with specializations in agricultural development and agricultural economics .Sy was appointed...
- Mountaga TallMountaga TallMountaga Tall is a Malian politician. He is the President of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative and a Deputy in the National Assembly of Mali; he has also served as a member of the Pan-African Parliament....
- Ascofare Oulematou TambouraAscofare Oulematou TambouraAscofare Oulematou Tambura is the sixth Vice-President of Mali's National Assembly, and a member of the Pan-African Parliament representing that country.-External links:*...
- Amadou Toumani TouréAmadou Toumani TouréAmadou Toumani Touré is the president of Mali. He overthrew a military ruler, Moussa Traoré in 1991, then handed power to civilian authorities the next year...
- Younoussi TouréYounoussi TouréYounoussi Touré is a Malian politician. He was Prime Minister of Mali from 9 June 1992 to 12 April 1993 and was the first Prime Minister appointed under President Alpha Oumar Konaré...
-Former Prime Minister. - Dioncounda TraoréDioncounda TraoréDioncounda Traoré is a Malian politician. He has been the President of the Alliance for Democracy in Mali-African Party for Solidarity and Justice since 2000 and has been the President of the National Assembly of Mali since September 2007...
-Party President of the Alliance for Democracy in MaliAlliance for Democracy in MaliThe Alliance for Democracy in Mali-Pan-African Party for Liberty, Solidarity and Justice is a political party in Mali.... - Moussa TraoréMoussa TraoréGeneral Moussa Traoré is a Malian soldier and politician. As a Lieutenant, he led the military ouster of President Modibo Keïta in 1968. Thereafter he served as Head of State from 1968-1979, and President of Mali from 1979 to 1991, when he was overthrown by popular protests and military coup...
- Aminata TraoréAminata TraoréAminata Dramane Traoré is a Malian author, politician, and political activist. She served as the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Mali from 1997 to 2000 and is a former coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme...
Footballers
- Sedonoude AboutaSedonoude AboutaSedonoude Abouta is a Malian football player who last played for USM Alger in the Algerian league. He has previously played for Djoliba AC as well....
- Mamadou BagayokoMamadou BagayokoMamadou Bagayoko is a French-born Malianinternational football striker who currently plays for PAS Giannina in Ioannina.His debut at senior level came in 1999 for RC Strasbourg...
- Boubacar CoulibalyBoubacar CoulibalyBoubacar Coulibaly is a Malian footballer currently playing for SV Blau-Weiss Concordia Viersen.- References :...
- Adama CoulibalyAdama CoulibalyAdama Coulibaly is a Malian football defender. He was born in Bamako, Mali, and began his career in his local club, Djoliba AC. Coulibaly recently transferred to AJ Auxerre after spending a decade with his former club RC Lens. The transfer fee was priced at 2 million euros...
- Moussa CoulibalyMoussa CoulibalyMoussa "Elimane" Coulibaly is a Malian football player who is currently playing for Libyan Premier League club Darnes as a defender....
- Soumaila CoulibalySoumaila CoulibalySoumaila Coulibaly is a Malian football player who currently plays for Chinese club Yanbian FC.- Career :On 8 July 2009, he signed a one year contract for FSV Frankfurt after being released by Borussia Mönchengladbach...
- Cheick Oumar DaboCheick Oumar DaboCheick Oumar Dabo is a Malian football player, who plays for Alahly Benghazi.-Bucheon SK:Dabo joined Bucheon SK in 2002. One of very few Africans playing in South Korea, Dabo earned a spot in the K-League All-Stars Soccer in 2002 and 2003, scoring in both games. He was selected for the team in...
- Mamadou Diallo (Malian footballer)Mamadou Diallo (Malian footballer)Mamadou Diallo is a Malian football striker, who plays for CS Sedan Ardennes.- Career :Diallo started his playing career with Malian club Centre Salif Keita. He joined Algerian club USM Alger in 2003. In his first season with the club, he played 10 times and scored 2 goals...
- Souleymane DiamouteneSouleymane DiamouteneSouleymane Diamoutene is a Malian football defender, currently playing for Italian club U.S. Lecce.-Career:Diamoutene spent his professional club footballing career in Italy, moving in the country after being noted by a Udinese scout. He then trained with the zebrette under-19 squad for a few...
- Mahamadou DiarraMahamadou DiarraMahamadou Diarra is a Malian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Mali national team. He is captain of the national team.-Early career:Diarra started his career with Greek side OFI Crete...
- Fousseni Diawara
- Mintou DoucoureMintou DoucoureMintou Doucoure is a Malian footballer who plays for USM Annaba in the Algerian Championnat National.- Career :He played in 2002 on loan by Dubai Club from JS Centre Setif Keita, as of 2003 turned back to JS Centre Setif Keita, before 2005 scouted from USM Alger.- International :He was part of the...
- Frédéric KanoutéFrédéric KanoutéFrédéric Oumar Kanouté is a French-born Malian footballer who currently plays for Sevilla FC in the Spanish La Liga. On 2 February 2008, Kanouté was named the 2007 African Footballer of the Year and is the first foreign-born player to win it.-Lyon:Born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, Rhône, Kanouté's...
- Jimmy KebeJimmy KébéJimmy Boubou Kébé is a France-born Malian footballer who plays for Reading as a winger.-Reading:On 16 January 2008, Kébé agreed to join Reading, but his then club US Boulogne initially refused to let him end his season-long loan early...
- Salif Keita (footballer)Salif Keita (footballer)Salif Keïta Traoré , known as Keita, is a retired Malian footballer who played as a striker.-Club career:In his country, Keita played for AS Real Bamako and Stade Malien...
- Seydou KeitaSeydou Keita (footballer)Seydou Keita is a Malian footballer who plays for FC Barcelona in Spain and the Malian national team. He also holds a French passport.A versatile midfielder, he can operate as both a central or defensive midfielder.-Marseille:...
- Djibril KonatéDjibril KonatéDjibril Konaté is a Malian/French association footballer who is currently playing for Championnat National side Chamois Niortais...
- Amadou KonteAmadou KonteAmadou Konte is a Malian-French footballer currently contracted with Bitonto.- Career :Konte started his career in the football academy of French side RC Strasbourg before moving to Portuguese giants FC Porto...
- Tenema N'DiayeTenema N'DiayeTenema Ndiaye is a Malian football player.- International :He was part of the Malian 2004 Olympic football team, who exited in the quarter finals, finishing top of group A, but losing to Italy in the next round...
- Mamady SidibeMamady SidibeMamady Sidibe is a Malian footballer who plays for Stoke City as a striker. He has previously played for Swansea City and Gillingham. He has played internationally for Mali, making his debut in 2002.-Early life in France:...
- Rafan SidibéRafan SidibéRafan Sidibé is a Malian football player who plays for Olympic Safi in the Moroccan Botola.-Club career:Sidibé played for MSP Batna and MC Alger in the Algerian league, as well as Stade Malien in his native Mali....
- Mohamed SissokoMohamed SissokoMohamed Lamine Sissoko Gillan is a French-born Malian footballer who is currently playing for the French Ligue 1 team Paris-Saint Germain and the Malian national team. Although he could have elected to play for France internationally, he chose to play for the country of his descent, Mali...
- Adama Tamboura
- Fousseni Tangara
- Jean TiganaJean TiganaJean Amadou Tigana is a manager and former French international footballer, having played in midfield and managed professional football extensively throughout France, including 52 appearances and 1 goal for the France national football team during the 1980s.-Playing career:Tigana started his...
- Alhassane TouréAlhassane TouréAlhassane Touré is a Malian footballer. He currently plays for FC Serrières.-International career:Touré capped for the Mali U-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.-External links:...
- Alioune TouréAlioune TouréAlioune Kissima Touré is a French professional footballer of Malian and Senegalese descent. He is an attacking midfielder but can play both as a forward and on the wing...
- Abdou TraoréAbdou TraoréAbdou Traoré is the name of three footballers:*Abdou Traoré , Malian footballer*Abdou Traoré , Malian footballer*Abdou Razack Traoré , Burkanese-Ivorian footballer who plays for Polish club Lechia Gdańsk...
- Alou TraoréAlou TraoréAlou Traoré is a Malian footballer. He currently plays as a defender for Tractor Sazi in Iran's Premier Football League.-Club career:...
- Djimi TraoréDjimi TraoréDjimi Traoré is a French-born Malian footballer who currently as either a left back or centre back. He plays for French Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille...
- Dramane TraoréDramane TraoréDramane Traoré is a Malian footballer player who plays as a striker for Ukrainian club FC Metalurh Donetsk.- International :...
Olympic athletes
- Cheick BathilyCheick BathilyCheick Oumar Bathily is a Malian football player who, as of 2004 was playing for Djoliba AC.He was part of the Malian 2004 Olympic football team, who exited in the quarter finals, finishing top of group A, but losing to Italy in the next round.-External links:**...
- Mamadi BertheMamadi BertheMamadi Berthe is a Malian- French footballer. As of 2003, he plays for Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes.-Career:Berthe was part of the Mali U-20 team who finish third in group stage of 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship....
- Drissa DiakiteDrissa DiakiteDrissa Diakite is a Malian football player who, is playing for OGC Nice.-Career:He has previously played for Djoliba AC and MC Alger ....
- Soumaila DiakiteSoumaila DiakiteSoumbeïla Diakité is a Malian football player who, is playing for Stade Malien.- International :He was part of the Mali U-20 team who finish third in group stage of 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship...
- Boucader DialloBoucader DialloBoucader Diallo is a Malian football player.-Career:Diallo began his career with Stade Malien. In December 2008, he signed a 4 year transfer contract with Sudanese side Al-Merreikh.-International career:...
- Boubacar KonéBoubacar KonéBoubacar Koné is a Malian football player, currently playing for Maghreb Fez in Morocco.- International :He was part of the Mali U-20 team who finish third in group stage of 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, and was part of the Malian 2004 Olympic football team, who exited in the quarter finals,...