The Malian authorities have until January 2023 to release the 46 Ivorian soldiers detained since last July in Bamako; so decided on Sunday the heads of the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or their representatives meeting at the summit in Abuja, Nigeria, under penalty of sanctions.
« We are asking the Malian authorities no later than January 1, 2023 for the release of the Ivorian soldiers, » ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray told reporters.
The sub-regional organization threatens to take sanctions if Bamako does not comply. Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, mediator in the crisis between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire in connection with the question of these soldiers, should go to Bamako to officially bring the message of the organization.
While Mali has been in transition for about two years, and still suspended from ECOWAS bodies, the latter calls for a « return to constitutional order ». “It is absolutely necessary that the constitutional order returns within the planned time” in this country, indicated Touray.
Summit participants also discussed the transition in Guinea Conakry and Burkina Faso. Both countries, along with Mali, are currently ruled by the military.
In addition, ECOWAS took the decision to create a regional force not only to deal with the terrorist attacks which continue to grow in the sub-region, but also to thwart coup attempts.
« The leaders of ECOWAS have decided to recalibrate our security architecture », continued Omar Touray, adding that these leaders are « resolved to establish a regional force which will intervene when necessary, whether it is security, terrorism or to restore constitutional order in member states ».
Also according to Touray’s remarks, military officials from the sub-region will meet in the second half of January to discuss the modalities for the creation of this regional force.
By OMA Newsletter N° 963 of 05/12/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
