Nigeria to intervene in Mali-Cote d’Ivoire face-off over detention of soldiers

September 7, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and harmony in West Africa.

His media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated that the president expressed the commitment again after former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan briefed him on the face-off between Mali and Cote D’Ivoire.

The face-off emanated from the detention of 49 Ivorien soldiers by Mali for “unlawful entry’’. Three of them, females, have been released, leaving 46 others still in detention in Mali.

Cote D’Ivoire has condemned the act as “hostage taking’’, threatening to take action.

The development led to the intervention by ECOWAS leaders as advocated by the ECOWAS Special Envoy on the situation in Mali, ex-President Jonathan.

Adesina quoted President Buhari as pledging an initiative by Nigeria to immediately resolve the impasse. (NAN)