Ivory Coast has accused Bamako of “hostage-taking” after its neighbour laid out conditions for the release of 46 Ivorian soldiers held in Mali for two months.
Ivory Coast says the 49 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. However, the mandate of the troops remained unclear and they were accused of being merceneries.The UN acknowledged “dysfunctions” in a note addressed to the Malian government and admitted that “certain measures have not been followed”.
Three women in the group were released according to an announcement earlier this month.
