By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ivory Coast has said the detention of 46 of its troops by Bamako in the last two months is an act of “hostage-taking” that has grave consequences.
This comes after Malian authorities have reeled out conditions for the release of the detained soldiers, saying there must be a “compensation” for the troops who have been accused of entering Mali without permission.
“It’s a hostage-taking that will not remain without consequences,” a source close to the Ivorian presidency told AFP on Sunday, adding that Ivory Coast would continue to seek a solution through “diplomatic channels”.
Ivory Coast says the troops were sent on a routine rotation for personnel who provide back-up services for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, and has called for their release.
Initially 49, three women in the group were released according to an announcement earlier this month, leaving about 46 in detention facilities in Bamako.
The arrest of the soldiers after their arrival at Bamako airport on July 10 has sparked a diplomatic row between Mali and its West African neighbour.
Mali’s military-led government says the troops had had no orders or supporting documents and has described them as “mercenaries”.
In mid-August, Malian prosecutors filed charges against all 49, including for alleged conspiracy and harm to state security. Talks are ongoing to secure their release but Malian interim President, Assimi Goita says there must be commitment from Ivory Coast for the soldiers to be released.
Interim President Assimi Goita “has made it clear that at a time when Ivory Coast is requesting the release of its soldiers, it continues to serve as a political asylum for certain Malian political figures who are the subject of an international arrest warrant,” state broadcaster said on Saturday.
Diplomatic sources close to the talks say Mali is demanding that Ivory Coast acknowledge its responsibility in the affair and express its regrets for the deployment of the soldiers.
Bamako also wants Abidjan to hand over people who have been on its territory since 2013 who are wanted in Mali, said the sources.
Ivory Coast has rejected both demands and is preparing for extended negotiations to free its men, they added.
