Mali: On behalf of ECOWAS, three presidents expected in Bamako to plead the case of the 46 Ivorian soldiers

Three Heads of State, namely Togo, Ghana and Gambia, are expected in Bamako. The mission of these ECOWAS emissaries is to plead for the release of the 46 Ivorian soldiers still in detention in Mali. Though announced in advance, the visit was postponed for 48 hours at the request of the Malian transitional government.

Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, Ghana’s Nana Akufo Addo and Gambia’s Adama Barrow are the three heads of state designated by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) to discuss with Malian authorities the release of Ivorian soldiers held by Bamako.

Faure Gnassingbé, the man the Malian junta wants

The presence of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé among the members of the delegation of heads of state is rather well regarded by the Malian transitional government. According to a senior Malian government official quoted by RFI, “President Faure understands the issues well, he knows how to talk to us.

As for another Malian official, he would not want ECOWAS to take the matter in hand instead of President Faure Gnassingbé. For the latter, “it is the mediator accepted by Mali who is accompanied by other presidents of countries that are also members of ECOWAS.

Compromises required to resolve the situation

The settlement of the case of the 46 soldiers involves several factors on which emphasis is placed with insistence, explains a source close to the organization of the meeting. It is therefore an opportunity to put on the table several issues common to Mali and Ivory Coast.

Among others, good neighborly relations to be strengthened, the case of some Malian political figures wanted by the Malian justice system but residing in Ivory Coast.

“Abidjan must solve this problem or these known Malians must leave Ivorian territory,” explained another private contact in Bamako.