Oumar Mariko

Oumar Mariko (born 4 February 1959) is a Mali doctor, politician and noted former student activist. He is the secretary general of African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence (SADI) and has three times run for President of Mali, in 2002, 2007 and 2013.

Biography

Born in Bafoulabé, his engagement in politics began in his student days. He worked as part of the National Union of Students and Pupils of Mali (UNEEM) at the Dioila lycée from 1976 to 1977 and the Badalabougou lycée from 1978 to 1979. He was a member of the union's organisation bureau from 1979 to 1980. A founding member of the Mali Students and Pupils' Association, he was its general secretary from 1990 to 1992. Mariko led protests that eventually led to the overthrow of Moussa Traoré in 1991 and participated in the Transitional Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) representing the Student Association.

Oumar Mariko is a medical doctor and the founding director of the Mah Doumbia surgical clinic at Bamako. He has also been the director general of the private radio network Kayira since 1995 and is the external relations secretary of the URTEL, the trade union representing radio and television broadcasting in Mali.