Photo journal: Mali president

"My work keeps me really busy. So busy that, until one of my visitors pointed it out, I did not realise what a splendid view I have of the capital, Bamako and the River Niger, from my hilltop residence.

"I wake up early each morning to pray at 0500 and am taken up with affairs of state until after midnight. But whatever I'm doing, I have to do my five daily prayers."

Here he is with former Prime Minister Mohamed ag Hamani in Bamako's main mosque.