FG steps into Mali-Cote d’Ivoire conflict over soldiers being detained

The release of the remaining 46 Ivorian troops detained in Mali would help Nigeria’s efforts to foster peace and harmony among ECOWAS nations, according to President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired).
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari spoke after hearing updates on the situation between Mali and Cote d’Ivoire over the latter’s soldiers who have been held since July 2022 from former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The statement is titled, ‘Mali Updates: ECOWAS Special Envoy, Goodluck Jonathan, briefs President Buhari.’
About 49 Ivorian soldiers had been detained in Mali for “unlawful entry.”
Only three of the team’s three female members had been released as of Sunday, September 4, leaving 46 people in detention.
The ongoing problem has strained the two West African States’ diplomatic ties for several months.
The Special Envoy, former President Jonathan, had urged the ECOWAS leaders to intervene when Cote d’Ivoire denounced the act as “hostage taking” and threatened to take action.
On his part, Buhari promised that Nigeria would take the initiative to break the diplomatic impasse immediately.

GOGAN Media.