the military junta that seized power in March and retained an important role even after formally returning power to civilians. Otherwise, the government was composed of technocrats rather than political figures. On 11 December 2012, soldiers reportedly sent by coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo arrested Diarra as he prepared to leave the country for a medical check-up in France. Shortly after his arrest, Diarra appeared on state television and announced his resignation and that of his government. On 1 December 2013, ALN, an alliance of independent top tier African law firms, announced the appointment of Diarra as its Chairman. Diarra succeeded John Miles, the CEO of J Miles & Co. References External Links Pathfinder Foundation 1952 births Living people Malian Muslims Howard University alumni Malian astronomers Malian astrophysicists Malian prisoners and detainees Malian scientists Prime Ministers of Mali University of Paris alumni People from Kayes Region UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Malian expatriates in France 21st-century Malian people