THE man accused of trying to kill Mali’s military leader Assimi Goita last week died in custody on Sunday, government officials have admitted.

“During investigations … his health deteriorated” and he was then hospitalised but “unfortunately, he has died,” a statement said.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was detained following the assassination bid at Bamako’s Grand Mosque on Tuesday.

Intelligence chief Saido Tomoda said the man who tried to stab Colonel Goita during Eid prayers was a teacher, but did not elaborate.

Security officials were swift to apprehend him, but he had not been presented to judicial authorities.

Col Goita seized power in May, nine months after former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was ousted by the military.

He heads a transitional government that has promised elections and a return to civilian rule in February 2022.

The interim administration has been filled with military officials as it bids to halt the jihadist insurgency that has plagued the region since 2012.