Women walk through a market in the town of Menaka on Nov 22, 2020. (PHOTO / AFP)

BAMAKO - One of the army officers behind an August coup in Mali was named on Saturday to lead a new transitional legislative body, a spokesman for the authorities said.

The appointment boosts the number of military figures in key roles, something that has dismayed some political factions.

At its inaugural meeting, a transitional council of 21 members has now approved as its president Colonel Malick Diaw, one of the coup’s organizers

After the ouster of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Aug. 18, hopes of a civilian-led transition were dashed by the appointment of the junta’s leader as vice president, while retired colonel Bah Ndaw became president.

At its inaugural meeting, a transitional council of 21 members has now approved as its president Colonel Malick Diaw, one of the coup’s organizers.

READ MORE: Mali political groups agree on 18-month transition period

His nomination was backed by 111 members, said a spokesman for the group that led the junta - the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP).

At its inaugural meeting, a transitional council of 121 members has now approved as its president Colonel Malick Diaw, one of the coup’s organizers.

His nomination was backed by 111 members, said a spokesman for the group that led the junta - the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP).

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The council will be responsible for voting on reforms and legislative changes during an 18-month transitional period before elections are held.