Konaré, Alpha Oumar, 1946–, Malian politcal leader. He served as Mali's youth, sports, and culture minister (1978–80); was a professor of history and archaeology; founded and edited a cultural review and a daily newspaper; and started Mali's first free radio station. During the 1980s he worked as a consultant for UNESCO, then was president of the International Council of Museums (1989–92). A pan-Africanist and a member of the Alliance for Democracy in Mali-African Party for Solidarity and Justice (ADEMA-PASJ), Konaré served two terms as president of Mali (1992–2002), during which he focused on economic development, curbing corruption, and negotiations with Tuareg rebels. From 2003 to 2008 he led the African Union Commission.
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