A Malian engineer and politician who played a crucial role in developing his country's infrastructure and served as the Minister of Mines and Energy, known for his efforts to modernize Mali's energy sector.
Soumala Ciss, a renowned Malian politician, is best known for his tenure as the Minister of Finance from 1993 to 2000, during which he played a crucial role in shaping the country's economic development. He was also a three-time presidential candidate, running in 2002, 2013, and 2018, although he was defeated in the second round of voting on each occasion.
Born on December 20, 1949, in Nianfuke, near Timbuktu, Soumala Ciss pursued his higher education in France, studying at the Institut des Sciences de l'Ingénieur de Montpellier to become a software engineer. He later worked for several prominent French companies, including IBM France, le Groupe Pechiney, le Groupe Thomson, and the aerospace company Air Inter, before returning to Mali in 1984.
Ciss began his political career as the Secretary-General of the Presidency following the creation of the Alliance for Democracy in Mali (ADEMA) and the 1992 election of ADEMA candidate Alpha Oumar Konaré as President. In 1993, he was appointed as the Minister of Finance, a position he held until 2000. During this period, he also served as the Minister of Equipment, Management of Territory, Environment, and Urban Planning in the government of Mandé Sidibé.
In 2000, Ciss was elected as the Third Vice-President of ADEMA at the party's first extraordinary congress. A year later, he resigned from the government to focus on his presidential campaign, and ADEMA selected him as its candidate to succeed Alpha Oumar Konaré in the 2002 presidential election.
Ciss's presidential campaigns were marked by controversy and defeat. In 2002, he took second place in the first round of the election with 21.31% of the vote but lost to Amadou Toumani Touré in the second round, securing 34.99% of the vote. He repeated this performance in 2013 and 2018, ultimately failing to secure the presidency.
In 2014, Ciss became the President of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD), a political party he co-founded after leaving ADEMA. He remained in this position until his death on December 25, 2020.
Soumala Ciss's legacy is deeply rooted in his contributions to Mali's economic development. As Minister of Finance, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's financial landscape, working tirelessly to promote economic growth and stability. His commitment to public service and his dedication to the people of Mali have inspired generations of politicians and citizens alike.
Soumala Ciss's life and legacy serve as a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of public service. His contributions to Mali's economic development will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of leaders and citizens alike.
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