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Côte d’Ivoire citizens welcome news of presidential amnesty for 49 soldiers detained in Mali, previously sentenced to 20 years in prison and death, calling it a “joy for all” am.
“The two countries have a very strong brotherly bond, and the two populations are practically almost the same, so we can’t blame each other, so we have to forgive each other. After all, Africa,” responds Noufo Ouattara, an automotive electrician.
Citizen Patrick Dalí said: “These soldiers were on a mission not for anyone, but for their country and other international organizations. Their return and release will bring joy to all.” I think everyone should be proud and continue to trust diplomacy,” he added. Ori.
This amnesty is designed to help maintain peace between neighboring countries and alleviate unrest in the region.
Relations between ECOWAS and Mali were strained even before the arrest. The military government has so far resisted pressure and sanctions from West Africa and has remained in power by promising to step down in February 2024.
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is seen as one of West Africa’s most uncompromising leaders against Malian dissidents.
The military government has so far resisted pressure and sanctions from West Africa and has remained in power by promising to step down in February 2024.
It charged 49 soldiers in mid-August and has not released any information on their health or well-being since.
According to a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Togo and Côte d’Ivoire in July, the military junta’s Prime Minister Goyta said he would be open to negotiations “with strict respect for Mali’s sovereignty”.
In a memo to the Malian government after the soldiers were arrested, the United Nations acknowledged some procedural “malfunctions” and admitted “no specific measures have been taken.”
Ivory Coast’s president admitted “faults and misunderstandings” in September after Mali demanded an apology.
However, according to diplomatic sources in the region, Mali wanted Ivory Coast to acknowledge its responsibility and express its regret for sending the soldiers.
Bamako also wanted Côte d’Ivoire to extradite people wanted in Mali who had been on Bamako’s territory since 2013, they said.
Ivory Coast rejected both demands and was ready for extended negotiations to release the men.
“This hostage-taking is not without consequences,” Ivory Coast’s president said at the time.
Maiga, then interim prime minister, therefore condemned “synchronization of actions” against Mali at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24.
He attacked UN Secretary-General António Guterres for declaring that Ivory Coast soldiers were not mercenaries.
He also criticized the heads of state of Ivory Coast and Niger, as well as ECOWAS leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
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