Mali named a new prime minister on Thursday with Modibo Keita taking over after Moussa Mara resigned under pressure from the president of the strife-torn west African nation.

Modibo Keita, who has been leading peace negotiations with rebel groups, was appointed by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, according to a presidential decree.

Mara leaves the job after just eight months.

A source close to him told AFP that “he wanted to carry on, but it’s not him who decides”.

“The president wanted to change the prime minister, so the premier (Mara) issued his resignation to the president.”

Modibo Keita had been appointed as the president’s representative in peace talks that began in July bringing together the government and jihadist rebels based in northern Mali.

The peace talks appear to be heading towards an accord this month, although there has been an upsurge in jihadist attacks in recent weeks.