Laurent Gbagbo now has his two passports, one diplomatic one. The two sesams were given to him by the Ivorian authorities in Brussels on Friday, December 4. A long-awaited return to the Ivory Coast where many hope it will lead to political reconciliation.
as reported from Abidjan, Pierre Pinto
“One thing is clear here,” former President Simone Gbagbo responded on Friday, December 5, after announcing that the former head of state had received his two passports.
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The mandate to get in touch with the authorities asks the FPI’s Secretary General, Assoa Adou, for their part to “carefully study the return conditions”. “The important thing now is that he returns quickly,” he confided in us yesterday, after having the former head of state on the phone.
“We have taken a step forward. It is a proof of the good will of the authorities “, commented a member of the government without saying more about the continuation.
The International Criminal Court has not yet ruled on a possible appeal. Since the acquittal of Laurent Gbagbo, the Ivorian boss insists that it is only when his goal has been finalized by the ICC that his return will be possible.
In Abidjan, Laurent Gbagbo has been sentenced in absentia to twenty years in prison for the so-called “crime against BCEAO” case. An illegal and political condemnation for his supporters but that only an amnesty or a presidential pardon can lift.
While political climate is tense Since the presidential election on October 31, many see Laurent Gbagbo returning to Côte d’Ivoire as a way to ease tensions and a step towards reconciliation. This is mainly Justin Koné Katinan, former budget minister and former spokesman for Laurent Gbagbo, who has lived in exile in Ghana for eight years.
There are conditions for the debate to take place in a calm atmosphere, hearts are emptied of all resentment.
Charged with crimes against humanity, Laurent Gbagbo was acquitted in the first instance by the ICC in 2019. He has since lived on trial in Brussels. In a press release on Friday, his lawyer Me Habiba Touré stated that he “plans to return in December”. The Ivorian Basic Law “prohibits the deportation of all Ivorian citizens,” the lawyer recalled.
He, he just wants to go home … And since he’s still the former president of the republic, arrangements must be made
Meanwhile in Abidjan, his followers become impatient. The Blokoss district is located on the edge of the Ebrié Lagoon and has long been known for its affiliation with former President Laurent Gbagbo. The loyalists of the historic Ivorian opponent insist on one point: they have no sense of revenge after the fall of Laurent Gbagbo in 2011 and his imprisonment at the ICC. They just wish their leaders could return to their homeland. Reportage.
Report in the Blokoss district, loyal to the former president
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