People in Ivory Coast express their joy at the news that the president has pardoned the 49 soldiers who were imprisoned in Mali and had previously been given a 20-year prison sentence or the death penalty.
“Because of the close ties of fraternity between the two nations and the nearly identical demographics of their populations, we are unable to accuse one another and must instead extend forgiveness to both sides. As a result, we must pardon, forget, and then proceed. I mean, this is Africa, “Car electrician Noufo Ouattara responds.
“I believe that everyone is happy about the soldiers’ release and return because they were on a mission, not for themselves or for anyone else, but for the nation and other international organizations. Everyone should feel proud and keep believing in diplomacy “Patrick Dali Ory was added as a citizen.
This pardon is intended to maintain harmony between the neighboring nations and help quell the unrest in the area.
Before the arrests, ECOWAS and Mali’s relationship was already tense; to date, the junta has defied pressure and sanctions from West Africa and has remained in power, promising to leave in February 2024.
Alassane Ouattara, the president of the Ivory Coast, is regarded as one of the most unyielding figures in West Africa toward the putschists in Mali.
The junta has so far defied pressure and sanctions from West Africa and has held onto power, promising to leave in February 2024.
It charged the 49 soldiers in the middle of August but has since given no updates on their condition.
A joint statement from the foreign ministers of Togo and Ivory Coast in July quoted Junta leader Goita as saying he was open to talks “in the strict respect of Mali’s sovereignty.”
In a letter to the Malian government after the soldiers were detained, the UN acknowledged some procedural “dysfunctions” and acknowledged that “certain measures have not been followed.”
Following Mali’s demand for an apology, the Ivorian presidency also acknowledged “shortcomings and misunderstandings” in September.
However, the conflict worsened in September, according to diplomatic sources in the area, when Mali demanded that Ivory Coast accept responsibility and express regret for sending the soldiers.
Additionally, they claimed that Bamako demanded that Ivory Coast turn over residents who have been on its soil since 2013 but who are wanted in Mali.
According to the sources, Ivory Coast rejected both demands and was ready for protracted negotiations to secure the men’s release.
There will be repercussions for this hostage-taking, the president of Ivory Coast said at the time.
This prompted Maiga, who was then acting prime minister, to object to a “synchronization of actions” against Mali on September 24 at the UN General Assembly.
He criticized Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the UN, for saying that the Ivorian soldiers were not mercenaries.
He also had harsh words for the presidents of Ivory Coast and Niger as well as ECOWAS leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
