Mali’s transitional authorities has pardoned 49 Ivorian troopers arrested in July and accused of conspiring towards the Malian authorities, the presidency stated in an announcement on Friday.
The troopers’ arrest sparked a diplomatic dispute between Mali and neighbouring Ivory Coast, in addition to widespread condemnation from regional allies.
The troopers had been arrested on the airport in Mali’s capital Bamako in July, however three had been later launched.
The remaining 46 had been sentenced to twenty years imprisonment on Dec. 30 for making an attempt to undermine state safety, whereas the three others had been sentenced to demise in absentia.
“The transitional president Colonel Assimi Goita has granted pardon and totally revoked the sentences of the 49 Ivorian,” authorities spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga stated in an announcement learn on nationwide tv.
Mali’s ruling junta stated the troopers had been performing as mercenaries, whereas Ivory Coast stated they had been a part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
