The release of the 46 Ivorian troops arrested in Mali before January 1 has been demanded by West African authorities.
Bamako accuses the soldiers, who have been detained for four months, of being mercenaries. The soldiers, according to Ivory Coast, were engaged in a peacekeeping operation in Mali.
The request was made by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) as it wrapped up its 62nd summit on Sunday night in Abuja, Nigeria.
A regional army would be formed, according to the bloc, to combat “terrorism and restore constitutional order” in certain of the region’s nations.
The leaders of the Ecowas placed Guinea high on their agenda and urged an open discussion on the country’s transition to civilian governance.
If a summit could not be conducted in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the bloc offered to host one in another city.
Following a coup in September of last year, the nation was expelled from Ecowas and subject to sanctions.
Additionally, Ecowas expressed worry for the safety and humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso and promised to help the nation.
Mali’s transition was being closely observed, despite the fact that the nation was making progress.
