Hanoi: President Gota receives the 82 soldiers released on August 13th at the Koulouba Palace in Bamako. The soldiers expressed their readiness to continue defending the integrity of Mali's territory alongside their comrades.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was attended by key military officials, including Major General Oumar Diarra, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, and Major General lise Jean Dao, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Colonel Adama Bakayoko, representing the released soldiers, expressed gratitude to the Malian authorities for securing their release and emphasized their commitment to resuming their duties.

Colonel Bakayoko assured that the soldiers are prepared to return to the frontlines, continuing their fight alongside the Malian army. He urged the public to support the Malian Armed Forces in their mission to defend Mali's sovereignty, reiterating their determination not to cede any part of the national territory.

Major General lise Jean Dao commended the soldiers for their resilience and bravery during captivity, asserting that no negotiations occurred with the captors. He highlighted that conditions were strategically created to complicate the soldiers' detention, following directives from the Head of State to secure their release.

Major General Oumar Diarra stated that the meeting with President Gota was to officially present the released soldiers and reaffirm their commitment to the nation's defense. He highlighted the ongoing determination of Malian authorities to recover all detained or missing soldiers, acknowledging the soldiers' bravery and dignity during their captivity.

General Oumar Diarra also credited the release to the coordinated efforts of various actors, including the General Staff of the Armed Forces, whose air campaign exerted significant pressure on terrorist groups. He expressed national gratitude to the soldiers for upholding the national flag with pride.