Laurent Gbagbo gave his first official announcement since returning to Côte d’Ivoire last Thursday, 17 June. In a statement, the former president said “to worry about the violence being waged in the country”, referring to the clashes the day of his arrival between his supporters who came to welcome him at the airport and the forces in order. Throughout the day, the supporters spread tear gas around Abidjan Airport.
as reported from Abidjan, Sidy Yansane
Presented as a thank you note, the press release – attributed to Laurent Gbagbo but signed by his spokesman Justin Katinan Koné – is especially about the clashes between the police and the sympathizers of his party of the Ivorian Popular Front, who came a lot to cheer on him as soon as he lands on Abidjan airport.
The former president “especially thanks the Ivorian youth” and added that the latter has sometimes paid “the high price illustrated by serious injuries caused by brutal violence that did not justify”.
Laurent Gbagbo also says he is concerned about the violence perpetuated in the Ivory Coast, before calling for “restraint to finally give reconciliation a chance to flourish”, he continues.
The former ICC prisoner claims that the police are responsible for these abuses. A proof according to him that “the road to reconciliation is still long”.
At present, no official source reports injuries or arrests in the ranks of party supporters present at the airport for the return of their leaders.
►Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo, return
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