Lassana Cisse’s remains have finally been repatriated to his home country, the Ivory Coast, some three years after he was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg announced the news on Twitter, stating: “Informed that Lassana Cisse's remains have been repatriated to the Ivory Coast. I reiterate Government’s commitment to ensure communities are safe spaces for all. We continue to stand in solidarity with Mr Cisse’s family and loved ones.”

The Maltese government had committed itself to cover the repatriation costs for Cisse’s body and all associated fees related to his burial.

Cisse was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Hal Far while walking home on 6 April 2019 in what is believed to be a racially-motivated attack.

Two Armed Forces of Malta soldiers – Francesco Fenech and Lorin Scicluna – were charged with his murder and with the attempted murder of another two men and a separate hit-and-run incident.  The victims of the attempted murder and the hit-and-run incident were also black.

Both Fenech and Scicluna have been granted bail.