Ivory Coast and Mali are struggling to tune their violins to find a consensual solution regarding the Ivorian soldiers detained in Bamako.
While Bamako offered last weekend a counterpart to release these 46 soldiers, in particular the extradition of Malian personalities living on Ivorian territory, Abidjan denounced Wednesday, through its National Security Council, a “taking hostage” of the soldiers concerned and “unacceptable blackmail”.
Côte d’Ivoire, which again demanded “the immediate release” of its soldiers, called for an extraordinary meeting of heads of state and government of the Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as soon as possible, taking into account “the latest developments which are likely to undermine peace and security in the sub-region”.
Mali considers these soldiers as “mercenaries”, after an investigation carried out by it. They had arrived on July 10 at Bamako airport without a clear warrant, according to the Malian government. They were finally charged with “attempting to undermine the external security of the State” by the Malian courts.
Recently, three soldiers, mainly women, were released, after a period of mediation provided by Togo, raising hopes that the other detainees will regain their freedom. But things seem to get even more complicated.
By OMA Newsletter N° 857 of 14/09/2022
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
