Macky Sall in turn intermediary between Bamako and Abidjan

Macky Sall in turn intermediary between Bamako and Abidjan

Published on: 08/15/2022 – 18:34

He spent a few hours in Bamako before departing for N’Djamena this afternoon: Macky Sall, President of Senegal and Acting Chairman of the African Union, met in particular with Malian Interim President Colonel Assimi Goita. One-on-one, extended work meeting, lunch… and on the menu for discussion: the transition and fate of the Ivorian soldiers detained in Bamako for more than a month.

The Malian interim president communicated very succinctly at the end of Macky Sall’s visit. Colonel Assimi Goïta, in a tweet, sparked discussions focused on “making the transition run smoothly and supporting the African Union” and strengthening Mali-Senegal cooperation.

Last year, 11 agreements were concluded in very different areas – transport, trade, health … – which the two heads of state from Mali were supposed to follow from a diplomatic source.

Macky Sall and Assimi Goita in particular spoke about the fate of the 49 Ivorian soldiers arrested and charged in Bamako officially Friday 12 August because in particular “conspiracy against the government” and “undermining the security of the state”. »

The Malian authorities have accused them of being “mercenaries,” and Abidjan says they are regular army soldiers who have come to support the UN mission in the country, Minusma. Which the United Nations confirmed before the withdrawal, apparently due to administrative malfunctions.

Several mediation attempts – especially Togos – are in progress. So far they haven’t found a way out. For his part, the President of the African Union will therefore try to find ways of resolving the crisis negotiated amicably between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.

Several attempts at conciliation – those of Togo in particular – are in progress, so far they have not made it possible to find a solution.

“I have noted Mali’s willingness to engage in dialogue,” said Macky Sall as we left the Palace of Koulouba, we will continue with Côte d’Ivoire. Macky Sall described his exchanges with the Malian interim president as “open”, without going into the details of the requests and lockdown points.