Should Laurent Gbagbo be welcomed triumphantly or should he return discreetly to the Ivory Coast? For 24 hours, and the publication of the website Africa Intelligence, of an article confirming that the former president will return at the end of June “on cunning”, agitates the issue and takes a political turn in Abidjan.
as reported from Abidjan, Pierre Pinto
As of this Thursday, May 27, 2021 evening, at the end of a meeting with the RHDP, its CEO Adama Bictogo officially formulated what was said in a low voice until now in the majority and in the circles of power. Namely that the party as authorities is against a popular reception of Laurent Gbagbo when he returns.
“In 2003, when President Alassane Ouattara was to return to Côte d’Ivoire, there was no popular reception. We wanted to organize a popular reception which we forbade to do. In addition, President Alassane Ouattara at the time wanted to return sober, because we were going through a difficult period, commented Adama Bictogo. And to add: “There is a tense context. I believe that the sense of responsibility also commands us at certain times not to be flashy, that we remain responsible until the end. ”
For his part, FPI-GOR rebelled against information about a possible secret return of former President Laurent Gbagbo. In a statement, the Return Organizing Committee stated “that the government authorities and the personalities responsible for this matter continue to discuss the terms of the return, without mentioning it, at any time the format for welcoming President Gbagbo.” Justin Koné Katinan, who signs this press release , further assures us of “the parties’ commitment to discussions on a peaceful, secure and happy return of President Laurent Gbagbo.”
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