Soumaïla Cissé was a prominent Malian politician and leader of the Union for the Republic and Democracy (URD). Born on December 20, 1949, he served in various government roles, including Minister of Finance. Cissé was known for his efforts to promote democracy and economic development in Mali. He ran for the presidency multiple times, notably in the 2013 and 2018 elections, where he was a significant contender. Cissé was also involved in international diplomacy and was respected for his commitment to peace and stability in the Sahel region. He passed away on March 25, 2022.