Pardoned Ivory Coast soldiers return from Mali

The 46 Ivorian military detained in Mali returned to Abidjan on Saturday at midnight - they were welcomed by President Alassane Ouattara and the entire government.

Mali’s military junta leader on Friday pardoned 49 soldiers from neighboring Ivory Coast who were convicted of undermining Mali’s state security and conspiracy against the government, authorities announced.The decision to pardon the soldiers symbolizes Goita’s concern for good governance and respect for independent justice, the government statement said.