First Lady of Mali (French: Première dame du Mali) is the title held by the wife of the president of Mali, concurrent with the president's term of office.[1][2] The present first lady is Lala Diallo, wife of interim President Assimi Goïta, who has held the position since May 24, 2021.[3]
President Modibo Keïta, who was polygamous and had three wives, named his first wife, Mariam Travélé, as the official First Lady of Mali.[2] She was imprisoned by Moussa Traoré as a political prisoner from the 1968 Malian coup d'état, which overthrew her husband, until 1978.[2]
Acting President Bah Ndaw refused to grant the title of First Lady to his wife during his brief, interim presidency.[4] Ndaw cited the need to keep his wife and other immediate family members out of public affairs during his transitional government.[4] President Ndaw was overthrown by his vice president, Colonel Assimi Goïta, in the 2021 Malian coup d'état on May 24, 2021.