The head of Mali's military junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, is calling on West African leaders to lift economic sanctions imposed after last month's coup following the appointment of an interim civilian president.

On Monday, Mali's military rulers named a former defense minister, Bah N'daw, as president of a transitional government that is due to return the country to civilian rule in 18 months. He will be sworn in on Friday.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Mali's independence from France, Colonel Goita - who will be vice-president of the transitional government - called for support for French and United Nations troops in the country of 'West Africa.

Their presence in Mali - to help in the fight against jihadists - has often fueled controversy in the country.

The African Union (AU) and ECOWAS had called on the military junta in Mali to quickly appoint civilian leaders to manage an 18-month transition to elections following last month's coup.

AU Peace and Security Commissioner Smail Chergui has called for a return to constitutional order.