President Dioncounda Traore returns to Bamako.

Crowds of supporters from President Traore's party lined the route to welcome him. He said that he forgave those who assaulted him and vowed to concentrate on unifying the country.

Ecowas has given the Malian administration until 30 July to come up with a government of national unity which will be a tough challenge as the political scene in Bamako is rent with opposition to the interim government  and dissension is rife. The problems which led to the coup and the disatisfaction which stretches back to the government of former president Amadou Toumani Touré who is staying in Senegal. The election which was due when he was to stand down was never held because of the coup against him. The Malian people have yet to have their say at the ballot box.