A deal has been reached between the Ivorian government and soldiers ending the two-day mutiny that began in Bouake and spread throughout Cote d’Ivoire over the weekend.
The mutiny began on Friday when aggrieved soldiers in Bouake demanded their bonus payments and took control of the city. Soldiers stationed across the West African country followed suit shortly thereafter, culminating in the taking over of the military headquarters in Abidjan, the largest city in the country, on Saturday.
Ivorian Minister of Defense Alain Richard Donwahi flew in to Bouake in an attempt to defuse the situation, but was kidnapped by rogue soldiers and held in detention for two hours. AFP reported that the defense minister has since been released.
President Alassane Ouattara announced on state television on Saturday night that a deal had been reached putting an end to the uprising.
“I confirm that I have agreed to take into account the demands of the soldiers over bonuses and better working conditions,” he said.
A troop involved in the mutiny confirmed to Reuters that the mutineers and the government came to an agreement on Saturday night.
“We have cleared the corridors everywhere as promised and we have been in barracks since last night,” Sergeant Mamadou Kone stated. “All over the country all our men have returned to barracks and wait for their money. The mutiny is over.”
While the details of the deal remain unclear, Reuters revealed that soldiers demanded 5 million CFA francs ($8,000) each. The soldiers warned the government that they would resume the mutiny if their demands are not met.
Ivorian citizens reported that there was peace in the country on Sunday, saying that Bouake roads were cleared of barricades that soldiers had built.
The weekend rebellion came two years after a similar uprising which ended in the government offering amnesty and money to the mutineers.
Ivorian Minister of Defense Alain Richard Donwahi speaks to the press
BY SAHARA REPORTERS
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