In view of the turn of events in the crisis between Abidjan and Bamako, the Ivorian authorities have referred the matter to the ecowas commission in order to obtain the release of its soldiers, whom the Malian junta describes as “mercenaries” and who are held in Bamako. The said measure aims at holding “as soon as possible” an extraordinary meeting of the sub-regional organization to address the issue.
“In view of the latest developments, which are likely to undermine peace and security in the sub-region, the President of the Republic has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to refer the matter to the ECOWAS Commission with a view to holding an extraordinary meeting of Heads of State and Government as soon as possible to examine the crisis between Ivory Coast and Mali,” said a press release from the presidency at the end of a national security council meeting on Wednesday, September 14.
This decision follows the condition set by Malian authorities before releasing the 46 Ivorian soldiers still held by Bamako since July 10. Last Friday, the Malian military demanded that Ivory Coast “in return” for the release of the soldiers, the Ivorian authorities must extradite Malian political figures living in Abidjan.
“The national council considers this blackmail unacceptable and demands the release of the 46 soldiers without delay,” the statement said. For the Ivorian authorities, “this request confirms once again the fact that “its soldiers are in no way mercenaries but hostages,” adds the text.
