President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is committed to promoting peace and harmony among ECOWAS countries.
The President stated this in Abuja as he was receiving updates from ECOWAS Special Envoy on the Situation in Mali and former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on the face-off between Mali and Cote D’Ivoire over detained Ivorian soldiers.
It has been reported that about 49 Ivorian soldiers are being detained in Mali for unlawful entry, and that only the three females in the team have been released, leaving 46 in detention.
The development, according to reports, is threatening a rupture in the relationship between the two countries.
Cote D’Ivoire has condemned the act as hostage taking, and says it may take action, hence the need for intervention of ECOWAS leaders, as advocated by the Special Envoy, former President Jonathan.
A State House statement says President Buhari has pledged an initiative from Nigeria, towards the immediate resolution of the impasse.
Cov/ Bello Wakili
