After a decade of absence, former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo returned to Côte d’Ivoire on June 17, 2021. FRANCE 24’s team was on board the flight with the former president. In this exclusive documentary, Gbagbo reflects on his political career and acquittal by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. Charles Emptaz and Olivier Jobard report.
Laurent Gbagbo returned home in June on a planned flight from Brussels, where he had lived since being acquitted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in January 2019, a decision upheld on appeal in March this year.
Gbagbo, now 76, was the first former head of state to face trial at the ICC. He was indicted on four counts of crimes against humanity following violence in the 2010-11 election in which at least 3,000 people were killed. The violence had been triggered by his refusal to accept defeat in an election in November 2010 against Alassane Ouattara, the current president.
When he stepped off the plane in Abidjan, Gbagbo was cheered on by hundreds of people: those who had access to the airport, as well as his relatives, officials from his Ivorian Popular Front party, as well as airport and flight personnel. His supporters exploded with joy at seeing “their president” again.
Gbagbo’s return has been made possible by Ouattara’s stated desire for reconciliation and national unity. At a long-awaited meeting on July 27, the two men were all smiling and agreed to meet again.
“It is important for everyone to know that we have decided to restore trust and ensure that the Ivorians are united and trust each other as well. The past events have been painful. Too many died and we must try to put it behind us,” he said. Ouattara.
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