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Mali Lashes Out At Cote d'Ivoire Over Detained Troops

Tension between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire has flared up again after Bamako demanded that Malian politicians in exile in Côte d'Ivoire be handed over to Malian authorities. This in exchange for the release of Ivorian soldiers held in custody since July.

46 Ivorian soldiers have been detained in Mali's capital, Bamako, since 10 July on charges of alleged conspiracy and harm to state security.

The release, over a week ago, of three women soldiers from the Ivorian group was viewed as a sign that tension had eased, paving the way for a smooth exit of the crisis.

The initial group of 49 soldiers flew to Bamako, reportedly, as reinforcement to MINUSMA, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali. Sources close to the mediation told RFI that Goita recently agreed not to demand the extradition of Malian politicians in exchange for the release of Ivorian soldiers but "he is not the only one who takes decisions". It appears that the Malian junta believes that Ouattara is siding with France, "which they are convinced, wants the Junta's downfall".

InFocus

Paulina Zidi/RFI

Abidjan (file photo).

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