Diplomats from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have announced that there will be no sanctions against Mali in a bid to avoid tensions between Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, especially as the regional group has noted an improvement in the relationship between the two countries which have signed a memorandum.
46 Ivorian soldiers, accused of being mercenaries, were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Mali. ECOWAS has demanded the release of these soldiers by 1 January.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said on Saturday that the soldiers, who have been held for nearly six months, “will soon return to Ivorian territory”.
However, there are actions that prove the will of the two countries to reconcile. Indeed, a process that could lead to a presidential pardon has been initiated at the Malian presidential palace.