After months of negotiations and years of absence for his supporters, the former president of Abidjan is expected on Thursday afternoon. Even longer waiting for his support in Mama, the former president’s native village, but also in Gagnoa, the large city to the west, his region of origin.
With our special correspondent for Mama and Gagnoa, Francois Mazet
This is the place where we are undoubtedly waiting for Laurent Gbagbo, back this Thursday in the Ivory Coast. Mama is the former president’s native village, a half-hour drive north of Gagnoa, in the midwest of the country. A city with a thousand inhabitants that is preparing to welcome its most famous citizen.
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The waiting time for the native child is only 48 hours extra. The program is already ready: on Saturday, the former president’s procession is expected at the roundabout at the entrance to the village. It will be accompanied by a parade of its inhabitants.
Two traditional welcoming ceremonies will take place in the public square and in his residence, which has been partially rehabilitated.
“In Bete Land, when someone returns from prison, he has to be washed. So they should go to his home and wash him, it does not take long. And then one day we will invite him, and everyone will have their hearts to speak, ”explains Faustin Ahipo Gnahoré, FPI activist.
Speak to ask him to resume politics? For Hervé Kouakou, it is obvious: “He is not done with us. We will ask him to take back the land and leave it as he wanted to leave it to the new generation. ”
An opinion shared by Joseph, mother’s country manager ‘and cousin of Laurent Gbagbo: “Our son never gave us bad advice. And he’s a Democrat. Everything he says, everything he does is normal. So her parents are always happy. He’s free! “Free to come and kneel on the grave of his mother who died in 2015 while he was on trial. Before returning to Abidjan on Sunday.
“He discussed our problems”
In Gagnoa, the FPI premises are a bit tired, but the volunteers do not lack motivation. Posters, t-shirts, posters have just been delivered. Fatou warns: Thursday will be a party all day. “Of course we dance until the morning. The sound system comes to the headquarters of the Ivorian Popular Front. Three days of celebration! “
Three days of celebration for the founder of a party they did not give up despite a decade of laziness. Marcelle believes that Laurent Gbagbo’s return will change everything: “Gbagbo is the light. Since he went to The Hague, Ivory Coast has been thrown into the dark. The day comes, we all want to be healthy, happiness comes, money comes, everything will happen. ”
Laurent Gbagbo is therefore a miracle worker for his most loyal followers. Richard explains this loyalty: “He is someone we loved because he was really good. He discussed our problems. People feel better with Laurent Gbagbo. ”
Rattan at the foot followed mother Jacqueline’s conversation. Between two tirades in béte, she launches in French: “I love you Gbagbo! I love youI love you !”
To avoid tensions in the city, activists are waiting until the last minute to distribute the material. But many were too impatient and have already left for Abidjan to greet their hero at the airport.
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