Economist named as Mali's prime minister amid violence

FILE - This March 23, 2019 file photo, shows the scene shortly after a violent attack which left over a hundred people dead and dozens more wounded, which according to witnesses was carried out by the ethnic Dogon militia who descended on Ogossogou village, Mali. Ada Diallo was preparing for morning prayers when gunfire rang out in her village. She fled to the home of a spiritual leader where some 50 women cowered in a single room, praying for their lives. They were caught in the deadliest attack yet of a new conflict in Mali, one driven by fear over alleged ties to extremist groups that have moved in from the north. (Tabital Pulaaku via AP)

BAMAKO, Mali – Mali's president has chosen an economist to replace the prime minister following growing violence by ethnic militias in the country's center.

Boubou Cisse, the 45-year-old finance minister, is seen as a close ally of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Cisse's appointment was the sixth made by the president since he took power in 2013.

Mali's former prime minister, Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, resigned under pressure amid the insecurity in central Mali.

The conflict drew an international outcry after an attack last month left 154 people dead.

Members of ethnic groups on both sides of the rival militias say the army has failed to protect them, complicating government efforts to disarm the fighters.