Protests rock Mali over deal between ECOWAS and Capt Sango

Thousands of supporters of March's coup in Mali have marched in protest at a regional deal for the interim civilian leader to remain in office for a year. Djouncounda Traore's initial mandate was due to expire on Monday. But West African leaders reached a deal with coup leader Capt Amadou Sanogo for Mr Traore to stay on to organise elections and end a northern rebellion. Capt Sanogo seized power in March and led the country for less than three weeks, before handing power to Mr Traore, the former speaker of parliament, in the face of intense international pressure and the rapid advance of rebels, who seized the whole of the north - an area the size of France The deal also saw Capt Sanogo recognised as a former head of state with a salary and a mansion. The coup, and ensuing rebel seizure of northern Mali, have led many thousands of people to flee their homes. Aid agencies say they are extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Mali, which is also suffering from the regional drought. Soldiers were reported to have let some of the protesters into the presidential palace but Mr Traore was not there, so they left Supporters of the coup in Bamako are unhappy that a representative of the ousted political class was allowed to stay in power for a year. They want a national convention of Mali's political parties and civic society groups to decide on the interim leader. The protesters shouted slogans including "Down with Ecowas" and "Down with Djouncounda." Some carried a mock coffin with Mr Traore's name on it. Earlier, mediators from West African regional bloc Ecowas left Bamako saying that they have accomplished their mission. The status of a former head of State gives Capt Sanogo considerable respect, as well as a salary. Chief Ecowas mediator, Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Djibrill Bassole, also said the coup leader would be able to consult Mr Traore, 70, and his prime minister until new elections are held next year. Last week, Ecowas threatened to reimpose sanctions against the coup leaders, accusing them of continuing to meddle in the country's politics. As part of the deal, the government is supposed to focus on recovering the north from a mixture of Tuareg separatists and Islamist fighters. Ecowas has said it is preparing to send 3,000 troops to Mali to help the country reclaim its northern territory, but no date has been set for the force to arrive. culled from BBC