Pardon of 49 Ivorian soldiers by President of Malian Transition reinforces dynamics of friendly, good relations between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The pardon granted on Friday by the President of the Transition of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, to the 49 Ivorian soldiers detained since last July reinforces relations of friendship, fraternity and good neighbourliness between the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, the spokesperson of the Malian government, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga said Saturday.
This comes "to reinforce the dynamics created following the signing in Bamako, on 22 December 2022, of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to the promotion of peace and the strengthening of relations" between the two countries.
A few days ago, an Ivorian delegation led by the Minister of State, Minister of Defence, Téné Birahima Ouattara, and including the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, whose country is the mediator of the Ivorian-Malian crisis, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Malian authorities, paving the way for the release of the 49 Ivorian soldiers.
According to the communiqué, the measure was "taken in complete independence" and symbolizes the concern of the President of the Transition "to promote good governance, within the framework of the Refoundation of Mali, through respect for the independence of the Judiciary and the non-interference of the Executive in judicial matters.
The communiqué recalled that these Ivorian soldiers were convicted by the Malian judiciary for "crimes of attack and conspiracy against the Government; undermining the external security of the State, carrying and transporting weapons and munitions of war or defence intentionally in relation to an individual and collective enterprise whose purpose is to disturb public order through intimidation or terror".
Mali reiterates "its deep gratitude" to Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, "for his tireless efforts and his constant commitment to dialogue and peace in the region", the official Malian communiqué added.
On the other hand, the government condemns "the biased attitude of some officials against our country", the management of this case, including the "aggressive position" of the current president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the government spokesperson stated.
-0- PANA GT/JSG/BBA/RA 7Jan2022
