Former Malian Prime Minister Zoumana Sacko Dies at 75

Bamako - October 18, 2025 - Former Prime Minister Zoumana Sacko, a prominent figure in Mali’s political and economic history, has died at the age of 75. His passing was confirmed on October 15, and he was laid to rest on Saturday, October 18, in Bamako.

Sacko, who most recently served as president of the CNAS party, held several key positions throughout his career. A trained economist, he served as Minister of Finance under the regime of Moussa Traoré, before resigning in 1987 following a gold trading scandal that implicated the first lady at the time. His resignation marked a historic precedent - the first voluntary ministerial resignation in Mali’s history.

After the March 1991 coup, Sacko was appointed Prime Minister in April 1991, leading the transitional government until the election of Mali’s first democratically elected president in June 1992.

Beyond his national service, Sacko held senior international roles, including as a senior economist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Colleagues and observers described him as a man of rigor, integrity, and deep patriotism.

In 2013, he ran for president of Mali, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service. His death marks the loss of one of Mali’s most respected technocrats and statesmen.