This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/373647-ivory-coast-military-mutiny/
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
‘Deal reached’ with govt after Cote d’Ivoire soldiers block parts of major cities amid talks | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Mutinying soldiers in Cote d’Ivoire dissatisfied with their bonus payments reportedly reached a deal with the government late Friday. Several major cities in the west African country were blockaded amid the negotiations, with gunfire also reported. | |
The deal was struck in the city of Bouake, where a delegation headed by Defence Minister Alain-Richard Donwahi had earlier gathered for talks, Reuters reports. | |
A group of mutinying soldiers earlier blocked multiple roads leading to Bouake, the second largest urban area in the country. | |
It came as an apparent continuation of last week’s military flashpoint, which saw gunfire breakout in a number of Cote d’Ivoire cities as part of a mutiny over a pay rise deal. | |
Scores of soldiers surrounded a government official’s property in Bouake where pay talks were being held. | |
Gunfire has been heard in the coastal city of Abidjan, according to AP, citing witnesses. | Gunfire has been heard in the coastal city of Abidjan, according to AP, citing witnesses. |
One Abidjan resident described to AP how “shots are continuing to intensify” near a military camp in the city. | One Abidjan resident described to AP how “shots are continuing to intensify” near a military camp in the city. |
Meanwhile, the northern city of Korhogo also saw its roads blocked by the military. | Meanwhile, the northern city of Korhogo also saw its roads blocked by the military. |
"We've come back to the checkpoint because we don't expect anything good from negotiations. We want our money. That's why we are here," said a soldier taking part in the mutiny, as quoted by Reuters. | "We've come back to the checkpoint because we don't expect anything good from negotiations. We want our money. That's why we are here," said a soldier taking part in the mutiny, as quoted by Reuters. |
It has been reported that members of the armed forces were demanding an increase in pay to 5 million CFA francs, about $8,000. | |
Soldiers were also said to be seeking the payment of overdue bonuses, quicker promotions and better living conditions. | |
Last week, the country’s defense minister Alain-Richard Donwahi said the government was prepared to discuss demands. A deal had thought to have been previously agreed on January 7. | Last week, the country’s defense minister Alain-Richard Donwahi said the government was prepared to discuss demands. A deal had thought to have been previously agreed on January 7. |
Previous version
1
Next version