THE US Secretary of State, Mr Warren Christopher, pursued his campaign for democracy in Africa yesterday with a scheduled meeting with the reformist general who helped to end one party dictatorship in Mali.
Mr Christopher arrived in Mali at the start of a five nation Africa tour, saying he would seek support from US allies for new sanctions against Nigeria's military rulers.
He is also using the tour to rally Africans behind the US in its determination to deny Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali a second term as UN Secretary General.
Officials said that Mr Christopher chose Mali to begin his tour as a tribute to its smooth transition from one party dictatorship to multi party democracy, and to honour the main architect of that change, Gen Amadou Toumani Toure.
Before arriving in Mali, Mr Christopher said he would seek support from partners to push for sanctions to help the campaign for democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
Mr Christopher is also seeking support in Africa for US efforts to replace Dr Boutros Ghali at the UN. Washington insists he must be replaced with a more reform minded secretary general.