Updated

The troubled nation of Mali has sworn in a new interim prime minister just days after soldiers behind this year's military coup arrested his predecessor and forced his resignation.

Diango Cissoko officially took office Thursday afternoon in the Malian capital of Bamako, where he said that the former prime minister would assist him with the political transition.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra announced his resignation on state television at 4 a.m. hours after soldiers stormed his house.

Mali's interim government was intended to return the West African nation to civilian rule following the March military coup.

However, the coup leader has maintained his hold on the country and the political instability has raised concerns about a proposed military intervention to retake the country's north from radical Islamists.