Soldiers On Mutiny Release Ivory Coast Defence Minister After Capturing Him. Photos

​Ivory Coast soldiers on Sunday ended a two-day mutiny in the second city Bouake and other key areas after reaching a deal on their demands for pay rises, housing and faster promotion. One of the leaders of the mutiny said he was "happy with the turn of events" after soldiers returned to their barracks.





"All we are asking is for the president to be attentive to the living conditions of soldiers," he said on condition of anonymity.

The west African country was rocked by two days of unrest after soldiers seized control of Bouake's streets early Friday, firing rocket-launchers and terrifying residents, in a mutiny that spread to other cities including the economic capital Abidjan.

In Abidjan -- a bustling seaport that is home to the presidency and parliament -- national television reported that shots had been fired at the Akouedo barracks in the east of the city on Saturday.

The soldiers had detained Defence Minister Alain Richard Donwahi for two hours on Saturday in a tense standoff over their demands, firing Kalashnikovs and heavy weapons around the home of a senior local official where Donwahi was meeting with the soldiers' representatives.

On Sunday, Abidjan's central Plateau area where several government offices and leading businesses are located, was calm.

"Life is back to normal," a resident said.