People rule the palace in Mali

Some of thousands of Malians protest on May 21, 2012 in Bamaka against a transition deal giving coup leader Amadou Sanogo the status of a former head of state, branding the accord a betrayal. The protest comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the junta inked a deal that will allow Dioncounda Traore to stay on as interim president for a 12-month transition period. One of west Africa's most stable democracies, Mali was plunged into crisis when Sanogo on March 22 led a band of low-ranking soldiers to oust Amadou Toumani Toure's government. (Placard reads : "Get Out !!! Same father, same mother"). (AFP)

Riot police try to block some of thousands of pro-junta supporters trying to enter the presidential compound on May 21, 2012 in Bamako. Traore was "beaten and injured" by the protesters and taken to hospital. The incident comes a day after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) brokered a deal with the junta in which Traore would lead a 12-month transition back to democratic rule after a March 22 coup. As part of the agreement coup leader Amadou Sanogo was given the status of a former head of state and all the benefits that usually brings, such as housing, transport, security and an allowance. (AFP)

Riot police try to block some of thousands of Malians trying to enter the presidential compound on May 21, 2012 in Bamako during a protest against a transition deal giving coup leader Amadou Sanogo the status of a former head of state, branding the accord a betrayal. The protest comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the junta inked a deal that will allow Dioncounda Traore to stay on as interim president for a 12-month transition period. One of west Africa's most stable democracies, Mali was plunged into crisis when Sanogo on March 22 led a band of low-ranking soldiers to oust Amadou Toumani Toure's government. (AFP)

Protesters occupy Mali's presidential palace in the capital Bamako, May 21, 2012. Hundreds of protesters entered Mali's presidential palace unopposed on Monday and said they would remain there until interim civilian president Dioncounda Traore resigned, a Reuters witness said. The protesters tore up images of Traore and called for him to be replaced by Captain Amadou Sanogo, the officer who led the March 22 military coup, the witness said. (REUTERS)

Protesters occupy Mali's presidential palace in the capital Bamako, May 21, 2012. Hundreds of protesters entered Mali's presidential palace unopposed on Monday and said they would remain there until interim civilian president Dioncounda Traore resigned, a Reuters witness said. The protesters tore up images of Traore and called for him to be replaced by Captain Amadou Sanogo, the officer who led the March 22 military coup, the witness said. (REUTERS)

Some of thousands of Malians sit on May 21, 2012 inside the presidential compound in Bamako during a protest against a transition deal giving coup leader Amadou Sanogo the status of a former head of state, branding the accord a betrayal. The protest comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the junta inked a deal that will allow Dioncounda Traore to stay on as interim president for a 12-month transition period. One of west Africa's most stable democracies, Mali was plunged into crisis when Sanogo on March 22 led a band of low-ranking soldiers to oust Amadou Toumani Toure's government. (AFP)

Some of thousands of Malians protest on May 21, 2012 in Bamako after breaking the gates of the presidential palace against a transition deal giving coup leader Amadou Sanogo the status of a former head of state, branding the accord a betrayal. The protest comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the junta inked a deal that will allow Dioncounda Traore to stay on as interim president for a 12-month transition period. One of west Africa's most stable democracies, Mali was plunged into crisis when Sanogo on March 22 led a band of low-ranking soldiers to oust Amadou Toumani Toure's government. (AFP)

Some of thousands of Malians gather on May 21, 2012 in front of the presidential compound in Bamako during a protest against a transition deal giving coup leader Amadou Sanogo the status of a former head of state, branding the accord a betrayal. The protest comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the junta inked a deal that will allow Dioncounda Traore to stay on as interim president for a 12-month transition period. One of west Africa's most stable democracies, Mali was plunged into crisis when Sanogo on March 22 led a band of low-ranking soldiers to oust Amadou Toumani Toure's government. (AFP)

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